Can hyaluronic acid dry out your skin?
It can, if used wrong in dry air. Hyaluronic acid pulls water from its surroundings; on dry skin in low humidity with nothing sealing it, it draws moisture up from deeper skin, which then evaporates. Apply it to damp skin and always lock it in with a moisturiser.
Why
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant — it pulls water from its environment. When applied to dry skin in low-humidity conditions (air conditioning, winter, dry climates), there is insufficient surface moisture for it to draw from. Instead, it pulls water up from the deeper dermal layers toward the surface, where it evaporates — leaving skin drier than before. This is the opposite of the intended effect.
What to do
Apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin immediately after cleansing (while still slightly wet). Always follow with a moisturiser or occlusive to trap the moisture. In very dry or cold environments, a humectant without an occlusive on top is counterproductive.
Good to know
This is especially relevant for low-molecular-weight HA, which penetrates more deeply and can pull moisture from a greater depth. Multi-weight HA formulations (e.g. The Inkey List HA) are more forgiving because higher-weight chains sit on the surface and add immediate surface hydration. The dry-skin rule is most important in environments below 40% relative humidity.
Sources
SkinMama provides skincare information for educational and cosmetic self-care purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose, treat, or replace a dermatologist. For a medical concern, consult a qualified professional.