Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe? What You Need to Know
Safety Score
Concern Level: low
Hyaluronic Acid is generally considered safe for use in household and personal care products.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
A naturally occurring polysaccharide that holds up to 1000x its weight in water. Found naturally in human skin and connective tissue.
Commonly found in: serums, moisturizers, eye drops, dermal fillers
Safety Research & Evidence
A naturally occurring polysaccharide that holds up to 1000x its weight in water. Found naturally in human skin and connective tissue.
Regulatory status: CIR safe in cosmetics; FDA approved for dermal fillers and eye surgery
Health Concerns
No significant health concerns have been identified.
Safer Alternatives
| Alternative | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Glycerin | 9/10 |
How to Avoid Hyaluronic Acid
- Read ingredient labels carefully for "Hyaluronic Acid" or its chemical synonyms
- Choose products with third-party certifications (EWG Verified, Made Safe)
- Consider alternatives like Glycerin
- Check the EWG Skin Deep database for product ratings
- Look for "Hyaluronic Acid-free" labels on product packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hyaluronic Acid safe for babies?
Hyaluronic Acid is generally considered acceptable for use around babies at typical concentrations in consumer products.
What are the safest alternatives to Hyaluronic Acid?
Safer alternatives include Glycerin (safety score: 9/10).
Is Hyaluronic Acid banned in other countries?
Regulatory status: CIR safe in cosmetics; FDA approved for dermal fillers and eye surgery
How do I know if my product contains Hyaluronic Acid?
Check the full ingredient list on the product label. Hyaluronic Acid may also appear under different chemical names. Using apps like EWG Healthy Living or Think Dirty can help identify it.
Related Safety Guides
References
- Papakonstantinou E et al. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: a key molecule in skin aging PMID: 22052267