In the ever-expanding world of skincare, few ingredients have stood the test of time quite as well as hyaluronic acid. Once buried within the ingredients lists of your favourite dry skin moisturiser, the humectant (a substance that attracts moisture) is now a standalone skincare staple for many, be it in budget serums or luxury formulas that promise glass skin levels of hydration.
To get to the bottom of how the hero ingredient works, I spoke to Simon Ourian, MD, co-founder of the eponymous brand and dermatologist to the likes of Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga. Hyaluronic acid is “a naturally occurring molecule found in our bodies to help maintain moisture in our skin and lubricate the joints”, he explains. In skincare, it works by “drawing moisture from the environment and the deeper skin layers into the outer layers, creating a plump, smooth, and well-hydrated appearance”.
