Back

Hyaluronic Acid

skin hydration and joint lubrication

supplement
Meta-analysis availableHuman trial evidenceTraditional useNeeds more research

Glycosaminoglycan supporting joint lubrication and skin hydration.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in various tissues throughout the body, with high concentrations in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes. It plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue hydration, lubrication, and elasticity due to its remarkable ability to attract and retain water molecules. HA contributes to the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix and is involved in processes such as wound healing and cell migration. It is commonly used in cosmetic and medical applications.

Quick answer

What it is: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in various tissues throughout the body, with high concentrations in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes.

May support:Osteoarthritis, Skin Care, Beauty & Anti-Aging

Evidence Summary

As no specific studies were provided, the content is based on established biochemical knowledge and general understanding of hyaluronic acid's role in human physiology. The lack of specific PubMed evidence means claims are conservative and general.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

Have you tried Hyaluronic Acid?

Vote in 5 seconds. Add details if you want.

Your experience for Osteoarthritis:

Commonly Combined With

Other remedies frequently used alongside this one — from curated relationships, community reports, and shared protocols.

Community signal breakdown

Where this remedy is being discussed across the web and community.

People Like Me insights

As more members share outcomes, RemedyAtlas will show which remedies helped people with similar conditions, symptoms, goals, and lab patterns.

Community Discussions

What people say about Hyaluronic Acid

Search on Reddit →

Latest News

Latest news on Hyaluronic Acid

More on Google News →

Health Videos

Health videos on Hyaluronic Acid

More on YouTube

Why It Works

Binds water in extracellular matrix.

How it works in more detail

Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan composed of repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Its unique molecular structure allows it to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent humectant. In the skin, HA contributes to plumpness and elasticity by maintaining hydration. In joints, it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber within the synovial fluid. HA also interacts with cell surface receptors, such as CD44, influencing cell proliferation, migration, and inflammation.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
120–240 mg/day oral
Typical forms
capsule, tablet, serum, cream, eye drops, injectable solution
Quality markers
Look for products with clearly stated molecular weight (often indicated as kDa or MDa), as different molecular weights may have varying effects. Reputable manufacturers often provide third-party testing for purity.
Avoid if
  • Known allergy to hyaluronic acid or product components
  • Active skin infection (for topical or injectable forms)

Community tips

No community tips yet — be the first to share what worked for you.

Suggested dosage

120–240 mg/day oral

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Hyaluronic acid (HA)

Traditional use

While hyaluronic acid itself is a modern biochemical discovery, its components and functions relate to traditional understandings of tissue hydration and joint health, which have been addressed through various traditional remedies aimed at supporting these bodily functions.

Safety

Safety warnings

Generally well tolerated.

Avoid if

  • Known allergy to hyaluronic acid or product components
  • Active skin infection (for topical or injectable forms)

Reported side effects

  • Mild skin irritation (topical)
  • Redness (topical)
  • Swelling (injectable)
  • Bruising (injectable)

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade

As no specific studies were provided, the content is based on established biochemical knowledge and general understanding of hyaluronic acid's role in human physiology. The lack of specific PubMed evidence means claims are conservative and general.

Filter by source type

Meta-Analyses(2)

Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.

Very High Quality
  • Leukocyte-rich versus leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

    Xu B, Huang X, Su X, Fu Y, Feng S, Zhou Y · Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research · 2026 · n=254

    To compare the comparative efficacy and safety of leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP), leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and placebo for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science was conducted from inception to October 2025, without language restrictions. We included RCTs that compared at least two of the following interventions in patients with KOA: L-PRP, LP-PRP, HA, or placebo. The primary outcome was functional improvement measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes were pain reduction and the incidence of short-term adverse events. Twenty-one RCTs, comprising 2,254 patients, were included. The network meta-analysis demonstrated that for functional improvement at 6-12 month

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
  • Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intravesical Hyaluronic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid/Chondroitin Sulfate Instillation for Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome.

    Pyo JS, Cho WJ · Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology · 2016 · n=390

    To assess the efficacy of intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) and HA/chondroitin sulfate (CS) instillation in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome by systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic literature search was performed using the keywords: 'interstitial cystitis' or 'painful bladder syndrome' or 'bladder pain syndrome' and 'hyaluronic acid', up to March 31, 2016. The primary outcome was visual analogue scale related pain symptom (VAS). Secondary outcomes were the O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and Problem Index (ICPI), frequency, nocturia, bladder volume, and voided urine volume. Ten articles involving 390 patients were retrieved and assessed in analysis. A significant improvement in mean VAS on fixed-effect and random-effect models (mean difference [MD] -3.654, 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.814 to -3.495, and MD -3.206, 95% CI -4.156 to -2.257, respectively) was found. Significant improvements were found in the ICSI (MD -3

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality

Clinical Guidelines(1)

Recommendations from medical societies (NICE, AHA, ADA, ACG, Endocrine Society…).

High Quality
  • Guidance on the management of pain in older people.

    Abdulla A, Adams N, Bone M, Elliott AM, Gaffin J, Jones D · Age and ageing · 2013

    This guidance document reviews the epidemiology and management of pain in older people via a literature review of published research. The aim of this document is to inform health professionals in any care setting who work with older adults on best practice for the management of pain and to identify where there are gaps in the evidence that require further research. The assessment of pain in older people has not been covered within this guidance and can be found in a separate document (http://www.britishpainsociety.org/pub_professional.htm#assessmentpop). Substantial differences in the population, methods and definitions used in published research makes it difficult to compare across studies and impossible to determine the definitive prevalence of pain in older people. There are inconsistencies within the literature as to whether or not pain increases or decreases in this age group, and whether this is influenced by gender. There is, however, some evidence that the prevalence of pain is

    Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High Quality

Randomized Human Trials(2)

Controlled human studies with random assignment.

High Quality
  • A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Krill Oil, Astaxanthin, and Oral Hyaluronic Acid Complex on Joint Health in People with Mild Osteoarthritis.

    Hill WS, Dohnalek MH, Ha Y, Kim SJ, Jung JC, Kang SB · Nutrients · 2023 · n=100

    Osteoarthritis is a significant global health problem. Many patients seek more effective alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines or commercial supplements to manage joint pain and inflammation. FlexPro MD® (FP-MD) combines krill oil, astaxanthin, and lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid to support joint health. A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of FP-MD and placebo once daily in participants (n = 100) with mild osteoarthritis of the knee or hip joint. For the primary endpoint of joint pain score, per-protocol participants (n = 75) in the FP-MD group (n = 37) had a statistically significantly greater mean reduction from baseline in the Korean Visual Analog Scale (K-VAS) at week 12 compared with participants in the placebo group (n = 38) (20.8 ± 16.16 mm vs. 10.6 ± 17.58, p = 0.0105). The Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (K-WOMAC) total score was also signif

    Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality
  • A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Vitamin D Supplementation on Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Hormones, and Liver Markers in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

    Javed Z, Papageorgiou M, Deshmukh H, Kilpatrick ES, Mann V, Corless L · Nutrients · 2019

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic-fatty-liver disease (NAFLD). Vitamin D supplementation may exert positive effects on liver biochemistry in patients with NAFLD; however, its effects on PCOS are unknown. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study explored the effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), weight, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, glucose levels, insulin levels, the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), hormones (free androgen index (FAI), testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and liver markers (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hyaluronic acid (HA), N-terminal pro-peptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), tissue inhibitor of metallo-proteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score). Forty women with PCOS were recruited and randomized to vitamin D (3200 IU) or placebo daily for 3

    Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality

Observational Studies(2)

Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.

Moderate Quality
  • Hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate-based medical devices: formulations, esophageal mucosal protection, and their place in the management of GERD.

    Scarpignato C, De Bortoli N, Iovino P, Nacci A, Sarnelli G, Savarino EV · Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology · 2025

    Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains a challenging condition, even in the third millennium. For much of the past century, Schwartz's dictum-"No acid, no ulcer"-has shaped our approach to acid-related diseases, making acid suppression the cornerstone of therapy. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely regarded as the standard treatment for GERD. However, they provide only symptomatic relief and do not address the underlying disease. Moreover, nearly 50% of patients experience limited or no response to PPIs in clinical practice. Recent advances in understanding GERD's pathophysiology, particularly the role of impaired mucosal integrity, have led to innovative therapeutic strategies. Among these, medical devices designed to prevent reflux or coat the esophageal mucosa and form a stable protective barrier represent a significant breakthrough. Esophageal mucosal protection is emerging as a promising approach, especially for patients who do not respond adequately to PPIs. While mu

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality
  • Systemic drugs with impact on osteoarthritis.

    Apostu D, Lucaciu O, Mester A, Oltean-Dan D, Baciut M, Baciut G · Drug metabolism reviews · 2019

    Articular cartilage has a complex structure and metabolism which allow for a proper movement within joints. Nevertheless, several systemically administered pharmacological agents have been proved to improve the anabolic response in the case of cartilage lesions. Alendronate, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, collagen hydrolysate, vitamin C, vitamin D, aspirin and strontium ranelate have shown positive results in clinical trials. On the other hand, calcitonin, risedronate, doxycycline, and celecoxib did not slow the progression of cartilage lesions in clinical trials. Other systemic drugs or supplements such as teriparatide, leptin, zoledronic acid, bevacizumab, atorvastatin, omega-3 fatty acid, naringin, MSM, selenium, zinc, magnesium, resveratrol, donepezil, naproxen, etodolac, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), lithium chloride, and rebamipide showed positive results in in vitro and animal studies but clinical trials are needed to confirm the positive impact on cartil

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

Clinical Trial Registries(25)

Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Moderate Quality
  • Genetics and Epigenetics of Graves' Orbitopathy

    n=12 · NCT04488406 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

    Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disease persisting when immunosuppression is achieved. Orbital fibroblasts from GO patients display peculiar phenotypes even if not exposed to autoimmunity, possibly reflecting genetic or epigenetic mechanisms, to be investigated here. Primary cultures of orbital fibroblasts from GO and control patients will be established. Cell proliferation, release of hyaluronic acid (HA) and HA synthases (HAS) will be measured. Next Generation Sequencing and gene expression analysis of the whole genome will be performed, as well as global DNA methylation assay.

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
  • Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Olopatadine 0.1% Ophthalmic Solution With Hylo-Dual Ophthalmic Preparation in Children With Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis

    n=42 · NCT03186755 · UNKNOWN · UNKNOWN

    This study compares the efficacy of Hylo-Dual (Hyaluronic acid 0.05% \& Ectoine 2.0%) and Olopatadine (Olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.1%) in the control of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in the pediatric population. Half of participants will receive Hylo-Dual, while the other half will receive Olopatadine treatment for 2 months.

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
  • Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety Observation of IBI311 Treatment in Patients With Inactive TAO

    n=50 · NCT07152392 · RECRUITING · RECRUITING

    Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease closely related to thyroid disease, which leads the incidence of orbital disease in adults and is the most common cause of diffuse toxic goiter (Graves disease, GD). The clinical manifestations of TAO are complex and varied. In severe cases, it may seriously impair visual function, affect daily life, and even cause corneal ulceration, perforation, and blindness. Therefore, a reasonable and effective treatment plan should be chosen according to the degree of TAO. IBI311 is a fully human monoclonal insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor inhibitory antibody. It has binding activity against IGF-1R positive cells, can block the binding of IGF-1 and IGF-2 to IGF-1R, and has a dose-dependent effect. It can inhibit the proliferation of HT29 cells caused by the activation of the IGF-1R signaling pathway. Meanwhile, it can dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of orbital fibroblasts and the secretion of hyaluronic acid (HA) in patients with TAO. However, there are still significant gaps in the existing research evidence: There is a lack of reports on the efficacy and safety of IBI311 in inactive moderate to severe TAO patients. The aim of this clinical study is to: 1. To evaluate the efficacy of IBI311 treatment in patients with inactive moderate to severe TAO. 2. To observe the safety of IBI311 treatment in patients with inactive moderate to severe TAO.

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality

Limitations: Without specific PubMed studies, there is a significant gap in evidence regarding efficacy for particular ailments, optimal dosages, and specific safety profiles in various contexts. The information provided is general biological knowledge rather than evidence for specific therapeutic applications.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

Tried Hyaluronic Acid?

Help others see what actually works.