Hyaluronic acid is a universally loved skincare ingredient, as the humectant is gentle on the skin but still able to deliver dramatic results. Many have chosen to add this humectant to their routine with a hyaluronic acid serum, like ourHyaluronic Pure Boost Serum. One big problem, however, is that many people don’t know how to properly work this type of serum into their routine. Let’s discuss whether you need to use a moisturizer on top of hyaluronic acid, and how best to use a hyaluronic acid serum in your routine. 

Understanding the Science Behind Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, found primarily in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes. Its primary function is to retain water, keeping tissues well-lubricated and moist. Each molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a powerful hydrating agent. This ability to attract and retain moisture is what makes hyaluronic acid such a popular ingredient in skincare products, as it helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity. 

Is Hyaluronic Acid a Moisturizer?

A common question is: can I use hyaluronic acid as a moisturizer? The short answer: no. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant—it draws moisture into the skin—but it isn’t occlusive. Without a proper moisturizer to seal in that hydration, HA can actually pull water from deeper within your skin or from the surrounding air, which can lead to dryness—especially in low-humidity environments.

To illustrate: applying hyaluronic acid on its own is like placing a sponge on a surface—it soaks up moisture. But without a barrier to hold that moisture in, it just evaporates. That’s why a moisturizer should always follow your HA serum—this is crucial for maintaining a supple, hydrated complexion.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Target?

Hyaluronic acid is used to intensely hydrate the skin. It acts as a water magnet, drawing moisture to the skin and locking it in for long-term hydration. Beyond softening and hydrating the skin, hyaluronic acid also provides anti-aging benefits. By plumping the skin with moisture, it is able to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving elasticity for a more youthful complexion. 

While you may think it’s only reserved for those with dry skin, this serum is actually a great addition to anyone’s skincare routine, regardless of skin type. Hydrated skin is healthy skin, and regular use of a hyaluronic acid serum will ensure your skin stays optimally hydrated. In order to allow everyone to add this ingredient to their routine, we crafted our Hyaluronic Pure Boost Serum to have a lightweight and gentle formula that is suitable for all skin types. 

Common Myths About Hyaluronic Acid

There are several misconceptions about hyaluronic acid. One common myth is that it can replace a moisturizer. While hyaluronic acid helps attract moisture to the skin, it doesn't provide the occlusive properties needed to seal that moisture in. Another myth is that it can cause breakouts. In reality, hyaluronic acid is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. Understanding these myths can help you make more informed decisions about your skincare routine.

Why You Still Need a Moisturizer

1. Prevent Moisture Loss

Using hyaluronic acid instead of moisturizer altogether can easily backfire. HA pulls hydration to the skin’s surface, but without an occlusive or emollient layer, that water evaporates—leaving skin even more dehydrated . A moisturizer adds essential lipids (like ceramides or squalane) to maintain a strong skin barrier and lock in moisture.

2. Nourishment and Barrier Support

Moisturizers do more than hold water—they provide nourishment. Ingredients such as shea butter, fatty alcohols, and oils deliver essential fatty acids that reinforce the skin’s lipid matrix and prevent trans epidermal water loss.

3. Enhanced Benefits from Hyaluronic Acid

Pairing hyaluronic acid with a good moisturizer enhances its efficacy. Once applied on damp skin, HA draws moisture in efficiently. Locking in that hydration with a quality moisturizer ensures long-lasting plumpness and glow.

How To Best Apply Your HA Serum

One of the most important things to know about hyaluronic acid is that it works best when applied to damp skin. By doing so, the hyaluronic acid has access to plenty of extra moisture that it can draw into the skin, allowing it to offer the best results. You can apply your serum soon after cleansing your face, while the skin is still a bit damp. If your face is already dry, simply spritz your skin with water or a gentle facial mist prior to application. 

What’s great about hyaluronic acid is that, since it’s gentle on the skin, you can use it both morning and night for optimal hydration benefits. It also plays well with virtually all other active ingredients, so you can easily layer it with any other serums you’re using in your routine (check out our face serum layering guide for more guidance!). 

Benefits Of Using a Moisturizer After Hyaluronic Acid

This leads us to the big question: do you need a moisturizer if you use a hyaluronic acid serum? The answer is always yes, regardless of your skin type. 

Hyaluronic acid needs external moisture to do its best work, which is why it helps to apply it to damp skin. A moisturizer will not only seal in the hyaluronic acid, but will also provide the product  with additional moisture to draw into the skin. 

While it’s an essential step in all environments, layering a moisturizer on top of a hyaluronic acid serum is especially important if you live in a dry climate. In fact, using a hyaluronic acid serum in a dry climate without a moisturizer can be a recipe for disaster. When the humectant doesn’t have an external source of moisture, it can actually end up drawing moisture away from the skin. This means it can have the opposite intended effect, causing dehydration in the complexion. 

Choosing the Right Moisturizer to Complement Hyaluronic Acid

When deciding which moisturizer to use after hyaluronic acid, consider your skin type:

• Dry skin: Choose a rich cream packed with ceramides, glycerin, or squalane.

• Combination or oily skin: Opt for gel-cream moisturizers that deliver hydration without excess oil.

• Sensitive skin: Look for fragrance-free, non-comedogenic options with calming ingredients like oat or panthenol.

Just ensure your moisturizer is compatible with HA—this makes it a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid synergy, helping to lock in hydration effectively.

When selecting a moisturizer to use with hyaluronic acid, consider your skin type and specific needs. For dry skin, opt for a rich, emollient moisturizer that provides intense hydration and locks in moisture. For oily or combination skin, a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer can offer adequate hydration without feeling heavy. Look for moisturizers with additional hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or squalane to enhance the benefits of hyaluronic acid and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Ultimately, using a moisturizer with your hyaluronic acid serum should be a non-negotiable. With this in mind, after you apply your hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin, you’ll want to follow up with your moisturizer of choice. This is the optimal routine for achieving soft, supple skin! 

How to Layer for Maximum Hydration

1. Spritz or dampen skin right after cleansing.

2. Apply your HA serum—this brings moisture into the skin.

3. Immediately follow with your moisturizer to seal it all in.

4. (AM only) Finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin barrier.

Give at least 30 seconds between each step to allow full absorption—this avoids dilution or pilling.

Benefits of Combining HA and a Moisturizer

• Long-lasting hydration: Moisturizers help prevent the moisture drawn in by HA from evaporating.

• Barrier repair and protection: Moisturizers offer essential lipids and occlusives that HA cannot provide.

• Enhanced texture and elasticity: Together, they create a smoother, plumper complexion with a reinforced barrier.

• Better performance of other active ingredients: Hydrated skin absorbs treatments like retinol or vitamin C more effectively.

In summary, while hyaluronic acid is an excellent hydrating agent, it’s not a stand-alone moisturizer. To truly benefit from its skin-plumping power, it must be paired with a proper moisturizer that locks in hydration and supports the skin barrier. Whether you’re dealing with dry, oily, or sensitive skin, the key is choosing the right moisturizer to complement your hyaluronic acid serum. By layering your skincare correctly and using the right ingredients, you’ll maintain smooth, hydrated, and healthy-looking skin every day.