June 2, 2025 by Margie Navarro
Ingredient Spotlight: Hyaluronic Acid
The Ideal Hydrator: Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule found throughout the human body that has become a widely recognized ingredient in modern medicine and skincare. It is already present in high concentrations within the human body in the skin, around connective tissues, as well as within the joints and eyes, however, natural stores are depleted by aging and sun exposure [1]. Known for its remarkable ability to retain water, HA plays an essential role in maintaining hydration and tissue repair. It can also be thought of as one of the master conduits of nutrients throughout the body (alongside water and blood). It can easily transport nutrients through the skin when applied topically, going down through the deeper dermis layers and even into the connective tissue fascia and organs. A recent study elucidated the magnificent and widespread transportation properties of HA [2], noting that the estimated volume of HA-based interstitial fluid in the body is more than three times the combined fluid volume of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems!
One of HA’s most notable properties is its capacity to bind large amounts of water, helping tissues remain hydrated and resilient maintaining skin elasticity. So in addition to its utility in transporting medicinals through the skin into deeper tissues when applied topically, it has inherent tissue fortifying abilities of its own. This uncanny combination makes pure HA the ideal base for many of our medicinal topicals. The water soluble nature of HA makes it feel light and airy on the skin as it easily is absorbed. Application on moist skin tends to aid its absorption as well.
In addition to topical use, HA can be ingested orally as a dietary supplement. Two traditional Chinese herbs are known to contain hyaluronic acid: Qing Ye Dan (Swertia mileensis) and Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum lucidum) in its natural form [3]. Research suggests that ingested HA also supports skin hydration and elasticity and may provide benefits for joint comfort in some individuals, particularly those with mild osteoarthritis symptoms. After ingestion, hyaluronic acid is broken down in the digestive tract and absorbed as smaller molecules that are thought to contribute to the body’s natural production and maintenance of connective tissues.
Extraction process: Our pharmaceutical- and cosmetic-grade hyaluronic acid in the FACE formula is produced through microbial fermentation. In this process, specific strains of bacteria, such as Streptococcus species, synthesize hyaluronic acid that is then purified. Fermentation-based production offers several advantages including consistent quality, scalability, and avoidance of animal-derived raw materials.
– Margie Navarro, certified herbalist & acupuncturist
References:
[1] Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant’Anna B, Kerob D. Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatol Ther. 2022;35(12):e15903. doi:10.1111/dth.15903
[2] Cenaj O, Allison DHR, Imam R, et al. Evidence for continuity of interstitial spaces across tissue and organ boundaries in humans. Commun Biol. 2021;4(1):436. Published 2021 Mar 31. doi:10.1038/s42003-021-01962-0
[3] Han Y, Ren J, Su Y, et al. Hyaluronic acid-based reduction responsive nanoparticles for Improved anti-psoriasis effects of traditional Chinese herb monomer oleanolic acid via blocking YAP-AREG axis. J Nanobiotechnology. 2026;24(1):240. Published 2026 Mar 8. doi:10.1186/s12951-026-04264-x