Can Hyaluronic Acid Serums and Moisturizers Cause Breakouts? Examining the Evidence

Can Hyaluronic Acid Cause Acne?

Hyaluronic acid has become a widely used ingredient in skincare products like serums and moisturizers. But some people wonder if hyaluronic acid can clog pores and cause acne breakouts.

This article will examine the evidence on hyaluronic acid and acne. Well look at what hyaluronic acid is, how it works in skincare, and whether certain forms or products are more likely to contribute to clogged pores or acne.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found throughout the human body. It can be produced by most tissues and cell types.

In skin, HA is especially abundant. Up to 50% of the total amount of HA in the body is found in skin tissue.

HA is a major component of what gives skin its volume, fullness, and youthful appearance. It has exceptional water-binding capabilities and can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.

By drawing in and retaining moisture, HA helps maintain skin hydration, elasticity, and tone. Levels of HA naturally decline with age, leading to dryness and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

Due to its moisture-binding properties, HA has become a popular ingredient in many skincare products like serums, creams, and hydrating mists. Benefits include:

• Increased skin hydration and moisture retention
• Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improved skin elasticity and firmness
• Protection against environmental damage
• Faster healing of wounds

HA applied topically cannot penetrate deeply into the dermis where natural HA is stored. But it does provide surface hydration and may stimulate additional HA production in deeper skin layers.

Different Types of Hyaluronic Acid

There are various types and molecular weights of HA used in skincare:

• Low molecular weight HA: Smaller molecules that can penetrate into deeper layers of the skin.
• High molecular weight HA: Larger molecules that sit on the surface, hydrating the stratum corneum.
• Micro-encapsulated HA: HA enclosed in tiny capsules or carriers for deeper delivery into skin.
• Cross-Linked HA: HA that is chemically modified for increased stability and retention in the skin.

Higher molecular weight HA above 1000 kDa is often used in moisturizers, while lower weights between 50-800 kDa are found in serums designed for deeper absorption.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Comeogenic?

Comedogenic refers to a substance's tendency to clog pores and contribute to the formation of comedones like whiteheads and blackheads. These trapped oils and dead skin cells within pores can then lead to inflammatory lesions associated with acne.

HA has a neutral electrical charge and is water-soluble. This means it does not typically stick to the walls of pores or accumulate in a way that blocks pores and causes acne.

Most research to date has found that hyaluronic acid is non-comedogenic. One study tested HA on rabbit ear skin, a model commonly used to assess comedogenicity. HA showed no clogging of pores or acne formation in this study.

However, there are some important caveats to keep in mind:

• The molecular weight of HA may influence comedogenic risk. Very low weight HA could potentially get trapped in pores more easily.
• Impurities in HA formulations could trigger breakouts. Low quality HA may contain contaminants.
• Other ingredients in HA products like silicones, oils, or emulsifiers may be comedogenic.

Can Hyaluronic Acid Serums Cause Acne?

Hyaluronic acid serums have gained popularity for their exceptional hydrating abilities and anti-aging effects. But could they clog pores and lead to acne?

Most experts agree that pure hyaluronic acid alone is unlikely to cause acne. However, some HA serums contain additional ingredients that may be problematic for acne-prone skin, such as:

• Essential oils: Fragrant oils like citrus, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass can irritate skin and provoke breakouts in some.
• Carrier oils: Oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil may have a comedogenic effect and clog pores.
• silicones: Dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane and other silicones can build up on the skin and cause congestion.
• Chemical sunscreens: Ingredients like octinoxate and oxybenzone can lead to irritation and breakouts.

Always check the full ingredient list and select lightweight, oil-free HA serums without unnecessary additives. Avoid heavily fragranced products as well.

Does Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Cause Acne?

Moisturizers containing HA are popular for providing intense hydration and plumping up the skin. Because HA can hold so much water, these moisturizers often have a thick, gel-like consistency.

There are a few reasons an HA moisturizer could potentially cause acne breakouts:

• The dense, occlusive texture may clog pores.
• Some contain comedogenic oils like mineral oil.
• Thick HA moisturizers can feel heavy in hot humid climates.
• Bacteria can grow in the jar over time, contaminating the product.

Those with acne-prone skin may be better off using lightweight HA serums instead of rich moisturizing creams. Or look for oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers with HA.

Signs Hyaluronic Acid Is Causing Acne

How can you tell if HA products are behind your breakouts? Here are some signs to look out for:

• Increased blackheads and clogged pores where you apply HA products.
• Whiteheads, pustules, and papules erupt within a few days of using a new HA serum or moisturizer.
• You suddenly experience cystic painful acne in areas prone to breakouts after starting HA.
• Your skin feels congested and coated in places you use HA.

Pay attention to when the acne flare ups occur in relation to using a new HA product. Stop using it for a while and see if your skin clears up. Then try reintroducing it to see if breakouts resume.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Without Causing Acne

Here are some tips for incorporating HA safely if you have acne-prone skin:

• Apply lightweight, oil-free HA serums instead of dense moisturizing creams.
• Use products with low molecular weight HA for better absorption.
• Opt for fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formulations.
• Look for micro-encapsulated HA for deeper delivery.
• Use HA products as part of a simple skincare routine without layering multiple products.
• Apply HA to areas that don't typically break out like the cheeks or neck if concerned.

Its also important not to go overboard with HA usage. Only use the amount needed to achieve hydration. Using HA excessively wont necessarily provide added benefits.

The Bottom Line

Based on available evidence, hyaluronic acid itself does not appear intrinsically comedogenic or likely to cause acne. However, depending on the specific product, other ingredients commonly added to HA serums and moisturizers may trigger breakouts.

Acne-prone skin may benefit most from using lightweight HA serums free of oils, silicones, and heavy moisturizing ingredients. But as always, your individual skin may react differently to different formulations.

If a particular HA product seems to be causing clogged pores or acne, discontinue use. See if your skin improves, then try reintroducing it. Listen to what your skin tells you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.