Believe the hype. Hyaluronic acid is one of the hardest-working and most versatile skincare ingredients.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is found naturally in the body, in the joints, skin and even the fluid in the eyes. It is a substance that retains moisture (a humectant) and it can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water – which gives it super hydration powers.
For the skin, HA holds water molecules onto the epidermis, the surface layer of the skin, to help keep it looking and feeling hydrated. Plus, as it’s already found abundantly in the body, chance of a reaction to an HA-based product is uncommon and it is generally tolerated well, even on those with sensitive skins.
As we age, the levels of hyaluronic acid in our body dwindles, manifesting in lines and wrinkles, sagging skin and uneven, dry skin tone and texture. Because of its ability to give the look of ultra-hydrated skin, in turn skin appears plumper and lines and wrinkles are less noticeable. It’s no wonder, then, that HA-based products have become the darling of the skincare and beauty industries and taken centre stage in a variety of formulations – from serums and masks to moisturisers and even hair products.
Brand spotlight: L’OREAL PARIS
The L’Oreal Paris scientific research team spent many years studying hyaluronic acid to create a potent, stable and efficacious delivery of HA when applied topically. Today, the L’Oreal Paris range of HA products is continually being refined and it now extends to skincare, makeup and haircare.
At the heart of the L’Oreal Paris Hyaluronic Acid range of products is Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum. It is said that one of these products sells every 30 seconds somewhere in the world – such is its popularity and efficacy. The product is rapidly absorbed, giving a non-greasy but plumply hydrated finish, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It contains two forms of patented hyaluronic acid at different molecular weights.
Next is the Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid 2.5% Anti-Aging Eye Serum. It contains 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid as well as 1% pure caffeine. It is able to diminish the appearance of dark circles, and plump and smooth the delicate area around the eyes. The triple roller applicator allows for a massage effect to also help noticeably depuff the under-eye area.
Extending into cosmetics, L’Oreal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum is a true makeup and skincare hybrid, containing the plumping power of 1% hyaluronic acid. It comes in nine different shades, which are able to be blended onto various skin tones, delivering a flawless dewy finish to the skin.
L’Oreal then decided to develop hair care with the same hydrating abilities using their hyaluronic acid technology – first came Elvive Hyaluron Plump Shampoo + Conditioner with hyaluronic acid, followed by the leave-in serum, moisture wrapping mask and finally the leave-in spray. The products provide a deep hydrating layer on the hair cuticle that nourishes hair with 72 hours of extra moisture. This moisture leaves the hair looking shiny and feeling much softer, enhancing moisture levels up to 10 times.
We can look forward to more HA-based products as scientists continue to discover the endless wealth of benefits this amazing molecule has to offer. CBM
