ingredient spotlight: hyaluronic acid

When you hear the word acid in skincare, you probably think exfoliation. This is true for ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid, and the many other acids you may find in your skincare products. However, Hyaluronic Acid is different. Instead of exfoliating the skin, this ingredient hydrates.

When I say hydrate, I mean, really hydrates! Get this, Hyaluronic Acid holds 1000 times its weight in water. Yeah that’s right!

But What Is It, Exactly?

Hyaluronic Acid is a polysaccharide molecule that makes up the connective tissue in our bodies. Basically it’s the lube that keeps our bodies moving. Over the years, this naturally occurring joint lube has been proven as an effective skin hydrator, due to its amazing capability to retain water like nothing else can. In the past, this ingredient was extracted from rooster combs. Today, most hyaluronic acid is produced in a lab through the magic of science.

How Do I Use It?

You will find Hyaluronic Acid in products such as face serums and moisturizers. Most skincare products that use it have it at a very low percentage, mostly 1%. Not only is this because the ingredient is very expensive, but also because of the size of the molecule.

Hyaluronic acid by itself is as thick as honey mixed with castor oil. I am talking sticky and thick! In order for it to absorb effectively into the skin, it must be mixed with other ingredients at a very low percentage. Even at 1%, this ingredient is a highly effective moisturizer.

Here at Alchemy Holistics, we were able to create our In Bloom Hydrating Lotion with 3% Hyaluronic Acid. The result is a highly moisturizing lotion that will keep you hydrated all day long!

In short, adding a product with Hyaluronic Acid to your medicine cabinet will assure you to have the best facial regime you can have.