Can Hyaluronic Acid Cause Acne?
It’s best known for its ability to lock in moisture and hydrate skin, but can hyaluronic acid cause acne? Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a non-comedogenic skincare ingredient, which means it doesn’t clog your pores and it should not trigger breakouts. That being said, if you’re experiencing a hyaluronic acid breakout after using, there could be a simple explanation for it.
Ahead, we explore if there really is a hyaluronic acid acne connection and what you can do about it.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that binds moisture to the skin for long-lasting hydration. It’s like a tall drink of water for your skin. Able to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient for softening and plumping the skin. It’s especially beneficial for people with dry skin.
Alongside its hydrating effects, hyaluronic acid can support collagen production to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also speed up the healing of wounds and scars.
You will find hyaluronic acid in a wide range of skincare products, including serums, creams, toners, and face masks. By using it every day in your skincare routine, you not only help to hydrate your skin but improve skin barrier function to support overall skin health.
Can Hyaluronic Acid Cause Acne?
No, hyaluronic acid will not cause acne or make existing acne worse. It is considered a non-comedogenic ingredient that won’t clog your pores. On the rating scale of non-comedogenic skincare ingredients, it ranges from 0 to 5. “0” means it is not likely to clog pores while “5” suggests it is highly likely to clog pores. Hyaluronic acid has a rating of 0.
In fact, hyaluronic acid can be an excellent choice for a moisturizer for those prone to acne. It’s a lightweight, non-greasy alternative to face creams and oils which can clog pores and trigger acne.
Hyaluronic acid may even be beneficial for acne as it helps to heal wounds and reduce inflammation while strengthening skin barrier function. It’s also been said to promote acne scar healing.
Why You’re Getting Hyaluronic Acid Breakouts
If you’re experiencing breakouts after using hyaluronic acid, there could be a few reasons for this. First, it could be the product you’re using. If it contains pore-clogging ingredients or irritants, then it puts you at risk of breakouts. If you’re using a pure hyaluronic acid serum, you shouldn’t have this problem.
You could also be experiencing skin purging. But not from hyaluronic acid itself. From another ingredient in the product you’re using. Skin purging occurs when certain active ingredients speed up skin cell regeneration, causing an initial outbreak of blemishes. The common skincare ingredients that cause this include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, retinol, vitamin C, and benzoyl peroxide.
Can hyaluronic acid cause acne? Hyaluronic acid itself does not cause acne. However, you do need to be careful when using products that contain additional ingredients beside HA that may clog pores and cause purging.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe for Acne Prone Skin?
Hyaluronic acid is safe for acne prone skin. It is a non-comedogenic ingredient that will not clog your pores and trigger breakouts. Using it as a serum is a great way to hydrate your skin as an alternative to thick, pore-clogging creams. Hyaluronic acid serums feel light on the skin and not at all greasy.
That being said, you will need to be careful when selecting skincare products as some of the other ingredients in the formulas may be comedogenic (pore-clogging) or irritating, both of which can lead to blemishes.
If you’re using a hyaluronic acid product without additional pore-clogging ingredients, it is safe to use as part of your daily skincare routine. We recommend using HA both on your face and body for head to toe hydration.
Shop Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Sets
All skin types can benefit from the hydrating, plumping, and healing effects of hyaluronic acid. Here are some of the best sets featuring formulas packed full of this powerhouse humectant.
Truly’s Bubble Butt Set
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Let your skin soak up the sculpting power of Bubble Butt Jelly Body Scrub + Mighty Tighty Body Sculpting Serum. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, retinol, and ceramides, this duo plumps, firms, and sculpts in two extremely satisfying steps. Your body will look and feel extra perky after the first few uses. Plus, you’ll get a FREE Gold Ice Cream Scoop + Server included to serve up your skincare in style.
Truly’s Dulce De Leches Routine
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Drench your skin in this dessert-inspired boob and belly firming routine. You get: a smoothing polish, lifting serum, and firming cream powered by retinol, hyaluronic acid, and guarana. This trio targets sagging and stretch marks in three delicious, warm caramel scented steps. It doesn’t get more decadent than this!
Truly’s Glazed Donut Shave Set
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Get as smooth as a supermodel with this deluxe 6-piece shave set. It comes with an exfoliating cleanser, whipped shave butter, after shave oil, and cream, plus a five-blade razor and gold scoop for the silkiest, sleekest shave of your life. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, and lavender to combat razor burn, nicks, and ingrown hairs.
To continue enjoying the smoothing, plumping, and soothing benefits of HA, be sure to subscribe to these sets and get 10% off every recurring order.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Cause Acne?
Hyaluronic acid does not cause or worsen acne. Because it is non-comedogenic, it will not clog your pores and cause breakouts. Hyaluronic acid functions as a hydrating ingredient that plumps the skin and maintains the skin’s moisture barrier, which is important for overall skin health. In other words, everyone can benefit from using HA on a regular basis.
However, as we mentioned before, you do need to be careful when using products that contain ingredients other than hyaluronic acid. For instance, if a product contains hyaluronic acid as well as comedogenic or irritating ingredients, this could be why you’re getting breakouts. It’s not the hyaluronic acid itself but the other ingredients in the formula.
To prevent this, look for a pure hyaluronic acid serum or products that contain hyaluronic acid as well as other non-comedogenic ingredients. You’ll be able to find all this on the ingredients label.
Can hyaluronic acid cause acne? No, it will not directly cause acne. Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating, nourishing ingredient that everyone can benefit from.
