Hyaluronic Acid: Take It or Apply It?

It’s been years since hyaluronic acid became a beauty favourite, hailed as the ultimate must‑have for glowing, hydrated skin with visible anti‑aging benefits. From luxe serums to budget‑friendly moisturisers, it seems every cream on the shelves now boasts this powerhouse ingredient. But here’s the question every skincare lover should ask: Does hyaluronic acid work best when applied directly to our skin, or when taken as a supplement?  In other words, is this a case of beauty from within, or beauty from the outside in?

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic is actually a natural substance found in our bodies, especially in our skin, joints, and eyes. Think of it as your skin’s own super moisturiser. Its main job? Holding onto water, lots of it! In fact, just one gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six litres of water, which is why it’s so important for keeping skin plump and hydrated.

Why does this matter for wrinkles and that youthful glow? As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid levels drop, which means our skin loses moisture, becomes less elastic, and starts to show fine lines and wrinkles. Keeping skin well hydrated is key because hydrated skin is more elastic and resilient, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time.

Several studies back this up. For example, research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that improving skin hydration can significantly reduce wrinkle depth and improve skin elasticity after consistent treatment with hyaluronic acid. This is why hyaluronic acid has become a skincare superstar, it helps replenish lost moisture and keeps skin looking fresh, smooth, and youthful for longer.

What about all the money I’ve spent on creams?

Are you wondering if you’ve spent your money wisely on hyaluronic acid creams? With all the marketing hype, it’s easy to believe they’re the miracle solution. In today’s world, flooded with information both online and offline, making confident skincare choices can feel overwhelming. Moisturising is definitely good for your skin, but whether an ingredient like hyaluronic acid applied topically truly makes a difference is very questionable…

The problem is that most topical hyaluronic acid creams don’t penetrate deeply enough to create lasting change. Sure, they feel soothing and hydrating on the surface, but the results often lack real depth. Nowadays, it’s clear that very few products on the market deliver meaningful benefits beneath the surface. Many are just surface-level creams that do little for our skin, yet they often come with hefty price tags for minimal impact.

Scientific studies show that the skin’s outer barrier prevents most large hyaluronic acid molecules from penetrating deeply, limiting topical creams to surface hydration only. Research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science notes that while low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid might penetrate a bit deeper, its effectiveness is still limited and under investigation.

Is oral hyaluronic acid better?

Here’s a fun fact that might surprise you: oral hyaluronic acid actually has stronger scientific backing than topical creams. So why are we all so obsessed with those instant‑fix lotions? It’s simple, topical products promise quick results and immediate hydration. But the truth is, oral hyaluronic acid works gradually, often taking up to three months to reveal its full benefits. In today’s fast-paced world, we tend to favor quick convenience over the patience needed for real, lasting skin transformations.

Recent studies, including several published in peer‑reviewed dermatology journals, show that oral hyaluronic acid is absorbed by the body, circulates through the bloodstream, and is delivered directly to skin cells, where it helps lock in hydration and support collagen production. Research has found it can start working in as little as 4 to 8 weeks, improving skin hydration, reducing fine lines, and boosting elasticity. This inside‑out approach helps skin stay plumper, smoother, and more resilient over time.

The best part with oral  hyaluronic acid? You’re not just getting a temporary fix, you’re investing in results that build month after month. It’s the difference between a quick surface splash of water and deeply watering the roots of a plant. One fades fast; the other truly nourishes.

That’s exactly why we added hyaluronic acid to our vegan collagen blend. It’s part of our mission to raise awareness about the power of internal skincare. Many specialists agree that focusing on beauty from within, rather than relying solely on surface-level topical solutions, leads to more satisfying and lasting results, and less disappointment.

All the best,

Your Feminavit Team xx