Hyaluronic Acid (Oral)
Also known as: hyaluronan, sodium hyaluronate, HA, Hyabest, Hyal-Joint
Hyaluronic acid is a large glycosaminoglycan that holds water in skin, joint fluid, and connective tissue. Oral HA is produced by bacterial fermentation (or from rooster comb) and sold as sodium hyaluronate in a range of molecular weights. A 12-week RCT of 120 mg per day in adults reported improved wrinkle scores, skin hydration, and elasticity, and reviews summarize similar dry-skin findings. It is used in beauty-from-within, skin-hydration, and joint formulas, often with collagen.
Research summary
Ingested HA fragments are absorbed and distributed to skin and joint tissue, where they appear to stimulate fibroblast HA synthesis and retain water.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 80–200 mg | — | — |
80–200 mg daily; 120 mg per day was used in the 12-week skin RCT. Both high (800 kDa) and low (300 kDa) molecular weights have shown skin benefits. Effects on skin hydration appear over 4–12 weeks. The 120 mg trial dose is the verified figure; the 200 mg market ceiling comes from product labels, so no dose_max_studied is entered.
Standardization: ≥90% sodium hyaluronate; molecular weight specified by grade
Source material: Streptococcus zooepidemicus fermentation (vegan) or rooster comb
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Water-soluble, viscous in solution; small doses suit capsules, tablets, gummies, and beauty liquids. High-molecular-weight grades thicken liquids noticeably.
Formulation notes
Rooster-comb grades are avian-derived (not a major allergen but relevant for vegan claims). No notable conflicts.
Sources
Related ingredients
Collagen Peptides (Bovine, Type I/III)
ProteinEnzymatically hydrolyzed collagen from bovine hide or bone, delivering short peptides rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
Typical: 2.5–15 g
Marine Collagen Peptides
ProteinHydrolyzed type I collagen from fish skin and scales, positioned as a pescatarian-friendly and lower-molecular-weight alternative to bovine collagen.
Typical: 2.5–10 g
Pine Bark Extract (95% OPC)
BotanicalPine bark extract is a polyphenol-rich extract of French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) bark, standardized to oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).
Typical: 50–200 mg
Bamboo Extract (Silica)
BotanicalAn extract of bamboo stem and leaf standardized to a high silica content, typically about 70%, making it the most concentrated botanical silica source and a staple of hair, skin, and nail formulas.
Typical: 100–500 mg
Borage Oil
Fatty acidBorage oil is pressed from the seeds of Borago officinalis and is the most concentrated common plant source of gamma-linolenic acid, typically around 20% GLA, roughly twice the level in evening primrose oil.
Typical: 500–1,000 mg