Is Hyaluronic Acid Good or Bad for Acne? Here’s What a Dermatologist Says

If you have acne-prone skin, it can be hard to know which skin care products are OK to use. The last thing you want to do is use something that will make you break out. 

Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in skin care products, especially antiaging formulas. Here, we’ll tell you what you need to know about hyaluronic acid, including what it is, whether it’s good or bad for acne, and how to use it.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound in your skin, joints, and eyes. Despite its name, hyaluronic acid doesn’t act like other “acids” known for their exfoliating properties. 

Instead, hyaluronic acid is responsible for moisturizing skin and providing volume and contour. As a humectant, hyaluronic acid has the ability to attract and retain water. In fact, it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

Starting in your 20s, the amount of hyaluronic acid in your skin starts to decrease. By age 50, the amount is reduced by half. Over time, this loss causes your skin to have less hydration, volume, and plumpness. 

To counteract this loss, natural and synthetic hyaluronic acid is used in skin care products to help restore moisture and volume.

Is hyaluronic acid good for acne?

Hyaluronic acid isn’t considered a traditional acne treatment, but using it can help keep pimples at bay, especially when used with other acne medications.

Here are a few different ways hyaluronic acid may be good for acne.

Reduces oil production

One cause of acne is too much oil (sebum) production. A small study found that hyaluronic acid can decrease oil production when injected into the skin. The study didn’t look at whether hyaluronic acid applied to the skin would have the same effect. But since hyaluronic acid is absorbed into the skin, it’s possible that it could. 

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Helps dry skin

Dry skin is more likely to become irritated, which can increase the risk of developing acne. Using hyaluronic acid minimizes this risk by moisturizing the skin and preventing dryness and irritation.

Reduces side effects of acne medications

Many acne medications, like retinols and benzoyl peroxide, can cause dryness and irritation. Using hyaluronic acid can help minimize or prevent these side effects. That means you’re more likely to use acne medications regularly and get better results.

Can hyaluronic acid cause acne?

Hyaluronic acid generally doesn’t cause acne because it’s noncomedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores).

If you’re breaking out after using a hyaluronic acid product, it could be from one of the other ingredients. Check to make sure there aren’t other ingredients that could be triggering acne (like lanolin or cocoa butter).

Having said that, each person’s skin is unique and responds differently to products. If you still think the hyaluronic acid is to blame for your pimples, it’s probably best to stop using it.

How do you use hyaluronic acid to help prevent acne?

Hyaluronic acid is available in many different skin care products, so it’s pretty easy to incorporate into your routine. These are some things you can do:

• Choose a serum with hyaluronic acid. Serums are lightweight and easily absorbed. 

• It’s best to use a serum after washing your face while your skin is still a bit damp. 

• After applying hyaluronic acid, use an oil-free and noncomedogenic moisturizer. 

• If you’re using an acne medication like retinol, apply the medication first, followed by the serum and moisturizer. 

• Another option is to use a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid.  

Can hyaluronic acid be combined with other treatments for acne?

Yes. Since hyaluronic acid isn’t considered a treatment for acne, it works best when combined with acne-fighting products. Because it’s nonirritating and hydrates the skin, hyaluronic acid can be used with most other acne medications. 

Common acne treatments include:  

• Benzoyl peroxide 

• Salicylic acid

• Retinols

• Tretinoin

Can hyaluronic acid help acne scars?

Hyaluronic acid can help treat acne scars, but it works better when it’s injected into the skin rather than applied as a cream or serum.

The most common acne scars are depressed scars (called atrophic scars). Studies show that injecting a small amount of hyaluronic acid into the scar stimulates collagen production, and lifts and smooths out the overlying skin.

Hyaluronic acid that’s applied to the skin (topical) can be helpful for acne scars when it’s combined with carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser resurfacing, a medical procedure that removes the outer layer of skin. 

Studies show that adding hyaluronic acid after the laser treatment improves healing time and lowers the chance of developing postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is when the skin becomes darker than your normal skin tone. It’s a potential risk of laser resurfacing in some people, especially those with darker skin tones.

 How do you use hyaluronic acid to treat acne scars? 

The best way to use hyaluronic acid for acne scars is by injecting small amounts into the scar. The frequency of injections varies, but a general schedule includes 2 to 3 sessions every 4 weeks. Your dermatologist can help you find the best treatment approach for your situation.  

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?

In addition to adding moisture to your skin, hyaluronic acid has many other benefits. It’s often used in antiaging products. It can:  

• Minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles

• Increase skin elasticity and suppleness

• Improve wound healing

• Improve eczema by restoring skin barrier function

Hyaluronic acid is also used as a dermal filler (for example, Juvederm). It’s injected into deeper wrinkles to add volume and create a fuller look. When injected, hyaluronic acid can last from 6 to 12 months.

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Written by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Edited by:

Laurie Tarkan

Laurie Tarkan is a senior health editor for general health and well-being at GoodRx. She has an extensive background in health journalism, and wrote regularly for The New York Times for a decade.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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