히알루론산: 실제로 수분을 공급하게 만드는 방법

Hyaluronic acid is in almost every serum, yet plenty of people swear it makes their skin feel drier. The difference is all in how you use it.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule your skin makes naturally. It holds onto water, drawing moisture into the top layers of skin. On labels it often appears as Sodium Hyaluronate, and many Korean formulas blend several sizes (low, medium and high molecular weight) to hydrate at different depths. Glycerin and betaine work in a similar way and often appear alongside it.

What it does for your skin

• Draws in moisture. It pulls water into skin for an instant plumper, bouncier feel.
• Smooths the look of fine dry lines. Well-hydrated skin looks smoother and fresher.
• Lightweight. It hydrates without heaviness, so it suits every skin type.

Who it suits

Everyone, especially dehydrated skin that feels tight but still gets oily. Great in Australian summers when aircon dries skin out.

Skin MBTI match: D (dry) · O (oily). Not sure of yours? The Skin MBTI quiz tells you in three minutes.

How to use it

1. Apply to damp skin, straight after cleansing or toner.
2. Seal it in with a moisturiser. Without that last step, water can evaporate and leave skin feeling drier.
3. Use morning and night.

When you'll notice it: You'll feel the plump, bouncy effect straight away. Skin looks smoother after a couple of weeks of daily use.

Good to know: One of the gentlest ingredients in skincare. Most skincare hyaluronic acid is made by fermentation, not from animals.

What to pair it with

Pair with ceramides or squalane to lock the water in. It works well with niacinamide, panthenol and almost everything else.

Myth vs fact

Myth: More molecular sizes always means better.
Fact: Multi-size blends are great, but the bigger win is applying to damp skin and sealing with a cream.

How to choose one

• Look for Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate or a 'multi-molecular' blend.
• Use a serum or toner for layering, then a cream to seal it in.
• In a humid summer a light gel may be enough. In dry winter air or all-day aircon, add a richer cream on top.

Where to find it

KIWIGLOW's Gold Kiwi serum carries eight types of hyaluronic acid, and SÉLEVÉ's bubble toner pairs it with panthenol. From the big names, Torriden's DIVE-IN line is built around 5D low-molecular hyaluronic acid.

See more in our Hyaluronic Everything collection.

FAQ

Why does hyaluronic acid make my skin feel dry?

If skin is dry when you apply it, or you skip moisturiser, it can feel tight. Apply on damp skin and seal it in.

Can I use it with vitamin C or retinol?

Yes. It's a good partner for both.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Yes. It's one of the gentlest hydrators around.

Korean corner: 촉촉해요 (chok-chok-heh-yo) means "it feels so hydrated".