Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid

Background

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.
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.

Effectiveness

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.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
  • 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.
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

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.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

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.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/01/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 31/07/2022 06:24:43. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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