Health & Well-Being A-Z

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid molecule
Description

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the fluids in the eyes and joints. It acts as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues.

Different forms of hyaluronic acid are used for cosmetic purposes. Hyaluronic acid might also affect the way the body responds to injury and help to decrease swelling.

People also commonly take hyaluronic acid by mouth and apply it to the skin for UTIs, acid reflux, dry eyes, wound healing, aging skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.

Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly effective
  • Dry eye. Using eye drops containing hyaluronic acid seems to help relieve dry eye symptoms.
  • Leg sores caused by weak blood circulation (venous leg ulcer). Using a gauze containing hyaluronic acid seems to reduce the size of sores and promote healing.

There is interest in using hyaluronic acid for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it Safe?

Safety

When taken by mouth: Hyaluronic acid is likely safe when used appropriately. Allergic reactions might occur but are rare.

When applied to the skin: Hyaluronic acid is likely safe when used appropriately. Allergic reactions might occur but are rare.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hyaluronic acid is safe to use when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hyaluronic acid is safe to use when breast-feeding. It's not clear if it's excreted in breast milk and what effect that might have on an infant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Radiation therapy: Applying hyaluronic acid to the skin while receiving radiation therapy might increase the risk of some skin complications. If you are receiving radiation therapy, don't use hyaluronic acid on your skin.

Hardening of skin and connective tissue (scleroderma): Applying hyaluronic acid to the skin might make skin ulcers worse in people who have a condition called scleroderma. If you have scleroderma, don't use hyaluronic acid on your skin.

Drug interactions

It is not known if Hyaluronic Acid interacts with any medicines. Before taking Hyaluronic Acid, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

Hyaluronic acid is available in many different types of topical products, including creams, gels, mouthwashes, and eye drops. In supplements, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of hyaluronic acid might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Acide Hyaluronique, Ácido Hialurónico, Glycosaminoglycan, Glycosaminoglycane, Hyaluran, Hyaluronan, Hyaluronate de Sodium, Hyaluronate Sodium, Hylan, Sodium Hyaluronate.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.