It has been estimated that a person weighing 70 kilograms (around 155 pounds) has 15 grams of hyaluronic acid (HA) in their body. Moreover, one-third of this substance is replenished daily. According to emerging scientific evidence, supplementation with it may help hydrate the skin, reduce fine lines, and alleviate joint pain.
Moreover, since this substance is relatively well-tolerated, many people are trying to find the best hyaluronic acid supplements. We have prepared this article to help you navigate the market and make an informed decision.
Best hyaluronic acid supplements: a shortlist
- ProHealth — overall best hyaluronic acid supplement
- Ritual — best hyaluronic acid supplements for skin
- Herba Health — best hyaluronic acid supplement with vitamin C
- Double Wood Supplements — best third-party tested hyaluronic acid
- HUM — best gummy hyaluronic acid supplement
- Nutricost — best affordable hyaluronic acid
- Doctor's Best — best hyaluronic acid supplement for joint pain
- BulkSupplements— best one-ingredient hyaluronic acid supplement
How we compiled our list of the best hyaluronic acid supplements
Our team has prepared this list using the criteria below.
Hyaluronic acid amount | Additional ingredients | Brand transparency | Price |
100–200 mg | May support skin or joint health | Third-party testing, traceable supply chain, GMP-certified | Great value for money |
- Hyaluronic acid amount. Since most research studies used 100–200 mg of hyaluronic acid, we picked products that fall within this dosage range.
- Additional ingredients. We choose products that either have minimalistic formulas or contain additional ingredients for overall joint or skin health.
- Brand transparency. We analyzed the product’s website and labels to better understand the brand’s reliability. We scored the brands that are transparent about their manufacturing practices higher.
- Price. We considered the products’ pricing to be one of the factors that must be evaluated for our best hyaluronic acid supplement article. Products that offer high quality without compromising on the quality were ranked more favorably.
Best hyaluronic acid supplements: an overview
Although most hyaluronic acid in our bodies is found in the skin, it is also present in other tissues, mainly joints. Supplementation with it may yield various benefits; therefore, we have picked products that are suitable for different indications.
1. ProHealth — best hyaluronic acid supplement overall
- Third-party tested
- FDA-registered and GMP-certified facilities
- Adequate HA amounts
- 75-day money-back guarantee
- Great value for the price
Packing 200 mg of hyaluronic acid per serving, this ProHealth supplement stands as our top choice thanks to the brand's commitment to quality and transparency. The product's label accuracy has been verified by a third-party laboratory, with the results available on the official website. Additionally, ProHealth manufactures its products in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility.
The product is free of any other active ingredients with the recommended dose per day of one capsule.
Currently, you can purchase one bottle of this ProHealth supplement for $19.95. As the bottle contains 90 servings in total, hyaluronic acid supplementation would cost you $0.22 per day.
2. Ritual — best hyaluronic acid supplements for skin
- Third-party tested
- Adequate HA amounts
- Vegan-friendly
- Clean label project certified
- 30-day money-back guarantee
If hyaluronic acid supplements found their way into your shopping list for potential skin benefits, Ritual could be a perfect match for you.
Made from two skin-loving active ingredients, HA with wheat oil extract, this product is tailored to hydrate the skin and reduce fine lines. One serving of this product delivers 120 mg of sodium hyaluronate, of which 95% is in pure hyaluronic acid.
What makes Ritual unique in the supplement market is its commitment to quality and transparency. The brand displays the supply chain of their products on their website. Moreover, Ritual supplements are rigorously tested by third-party laboratories and deemed to be safe for consumption before reaching the consumers.
For those who are prioritizing high quality in their supplement regime, this product can be purchased at $54 per bottle or $1.80 per serving.
3. Herba Health — best hyaluronic acid supplement with vitamin C
- cGMP-certified facilities
- Third-party tested
- Adequate HA amounts
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- One capsule per day
For those seeking to improve the appearance of their skin and maintain joint health, this Herba Health supplement is formulated with 200 mg of hyaluronic acid and 100 mg of vitamin C per dose.
As per the brand’s claims, this product is made using both low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid for potentially enhanced absorption.
Herba Health is third-party tested for quality with their products made in a Canadian facility adhering to cGMP guidelines. The supplement is non-GMO and gluten-free and is made using non-animal ingredients only.
Before any discounts, Herba Health is priced at $37 or $0.37 per serving (one capsule).
4. Double Wood Supplements — best third-party tested hyaluronic acid
- Third-party tested
- Adequate HA amounts
- GMP-certified facilities
- Great value for the price
- 30-day money back guarantee
Double Wood Supplements, a supplement manufacturer known for pure single-ingredient formulas, stands as a great choice for anyone looking to incorporate hyaluronic acid into their routine. With the Certificate of Analysis from third-party testing readily available on the official website, Double Wood Supplements reinforces trust and confidence in the product's quality.
Containing no other ingredients, this product boasts a generous 200 mg of hyaluronic acid each serving (2 capsules).
Right now, Double Wood Supplements offers this supplement for $19.95 per bottle. As one bottle contains 90 servings, this supplement would come to $0.22 per day.
5. HUM — best gummy hyaluronic acid supplement
- Adequate HA amounts
- Third-party tested
- FDA-registered GMP manufacturing facilities
- Clean label project certified
- Vegan-friendly
Crafted to support skin health, these tangerine-flavored gummies contain 120 mg of hyaluronic acid per serving. For further support, the product includes vitamins C and E, and Amla fruit extract.
The product is vegan-friendly and does not contain milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.
Moreover, HUM claims their product to be independently tested, but no Certificate of Analysis is available on their website. It is worth noting that the product is manufactured in GMP-compliant facilities, ensuring strict quality and safety standards.
One jar of these HUM tangerine gummies is priced at $26 and contains 30 servings (or 60 gummies). For this reason, one daily serving would cost you around $0.87 if you opt for this supplement.
6. Nutricost — best affordable hyaluronic acid
- Made in GMP-compliant facilities
- Adequate HA amounts
- Great value for the price
- Vegetarian-friendly
Boasting 100 mg of hyaluronic acid, Nutricost offers a minimalistic one-ingredient supplement for joint and skin health.
Nutricost claims the product to be tested by an independent laboratory. However, there is no Certificate of Analysis available on their website. It is worth noting that the product is manufactured in GMP-compliant facilities, which ensure strict adherence to quality and safety standards.
As the bottle is currently priced at $12.56 and contains 120 servings, this budget-friendly product would cost you $0.10 taken daily.
7. Doctor's Best — best hyaluronic acid supplement for joint pain
- Contains other ingredients for joint health
- Adequate HA amounts
- Contains type II collagen
Tailored for joint health support, this Doctor’s Best supplement is a comprehensive formula comprising branded BioCell collagen with additional hydrolyzed collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate, and 100mg of hyaluronic acid.
Moreover, the formula contains type II collagen, which has been scientifically studied and shown to be potentially beneficial for joint health.
Lastly, Doctor’s Best includes chondroitin sulfate, known for its support in maintaining healthy joint function.
Right now, this hyaluronic supplement for joints is priced at $28.04 for a bigger bottle ($0.31 per serving) and $14.39 if you opt for the smaller one ($0.48).
8. BulkSupplements — best one-ingredient hyaluronic acid supplement
- Made in FDA-registered cGMP manufacturing facilities
- Adequate HA amounts
- Great value for the price
With hyaluronic acid being one and only ingredient within the formula, BulkSupplements is a great choice for anyone seeking simplicity in their wellness routine.
With 200 mg of hyaluronic acid per serving, this product aligns with most research studies indicating the appropriate dosage to be between 100 and 200 mg.
Although the manufacturer claims this product to be tested by a third-party laboratory, there is no Certificate of Analysis available on their official website. However, the product is made in FDA-registered cGMP manufacturing facilities following strict safety standards.
Currently, BulkSupplements is priced at $26.96. As the bottle contains 240 servings, this product would come to a mere $0.11 per serving.
Comparing the best hyaluronic acid supplements
Brand | Amount of HA per serving | Other ingredients | Best for | Servings | Price | Price per serving |
ProHealth | 200 mg | N/A | Skin and joints | 90 | $19.95 | $0.22 |
Ritual | 120 mg | Wheat oil extract | Skin | 30 | $54.00 | $1.80 |
Herba Health | 200 mg | Vitamin C | Skin and joints | 100 | $37.00 | $0.37 |
Double Wood Supplements | 200 mg | N/A | Skin and joints | 90 | $19.95 | $0.22 |
HUM | 120 mg | Vitamin C, vitamin E, Amla fruit extract | Skin | 30 | $26.00 | $0.87 |
Nutricost | 100 mg | N/A | Skin and joints | 120 | $12.56 | $0.10 |
Doctor's Best | 100 mg | BioCell Collagen, collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate | Joints | 90 | $28.04 | $0.31 |
BulkSupplements | 200 mg | N/A | Skin and joints | 240 | $26.96 | $0.11 |
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a compound naturally found in human bodies. Its unique structure allows it to retain water; therefore, our bodies utilize it for tissues that require high water retention, for example, skin, connective tissue, and joints.
It is mostly present in the skin — it is estimated that more than 50% of the human’s body HA content is found there. Hyaluronic acid preserves tissue hydration, facilitates the transport of nutrients to cells, and is a powerful antioxidant.
Benefits of hyaluronic acid supplements
In most cases, hyaluronic acid is used to support skin or joint health.
Skin health
Various studies pinpoint that supplementation with hyaluronic acid can be beneficial for skin health.
For instance, one study has observed that HA supplementation can promote skin hydration after 2–8 weeks. The results were noticed both in young and older individuals. Moreover, supplementation elevated skin tone: there was a noticeable increase in skin brightness and a decrease in yellowness. Long-term usage (12 weeks) suggests that HA supplements may increase epidermis thickness.
Other studies observe similar results for skin health, including improvements in hydration, elasticity, skin roughness, and wrinkle depths.
Joint health
Improvements in joint health were also observed in several studies.
One review of 13 clinical trials concluded that hyaluronic acid as a dietary supplement may have the capacity to alleviate knee discomfort. Moreover, the review noted that HA dietary supplements had no side effects.
Combining hyaluronic acid with other compounds may also prove beneficial for joint health. In one small study, individuals with osteoarthritis were given either a placebo or hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin supplements. The results revealed that the supplementation group reported less pain and stiffness and displayed improvement in physical function.
How to use hyaluronic acid supplements effectively
There are no universally agreed-upon guidelines for effectively using hyaluronic acid supplements. It is best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Clinical trials have shown positive outcomes, such as improved skin hydration and decreased knee pain, with dosages of hyaluronic acid ranging between 100 to 200 mg per day. The results may be seen between 2 and 18 weeks of supplementation.
Potential side effects and considerations
Since hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our bodies, side effects from its supplementation are rare, and there is limited data regarding it.
For instance, during one study, some participants experienced gastric discomfort, reflux esophagitis, and appetite loss. As mentioned by the authors, none of these problems were proven to be caused by the ingestion of HA.
Some people, however, may experience allergic reactions to the hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid supplements have not been tested on pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
For more precise advice, consult your doctor.
Best hyaluronic acid supplements — conclusion
Numerous clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of hyaluronic acid supplementation, with dosages typically ranging from 100 to 200 mg per day.
Results from these studies consistently demonstrate its potential ability to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and smoothness, as well as to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, individuals suffering from joint issues, such as osteoarthritis, have reported some relief from pain after taking hyaluronic acid supplements.
Although hyaluronic acid supplements should not cause any side effects in most cases, consulting a healthcare professional for personalized guidance can be beneficial.
Find out other products for skin and joint health
If you are looking for products containing a wide range of ingredients, check out our best skin supplements article.
Similarly, you can explore our best supplements to manage joint pain article.
For further joint support, the best collagen supplements for joints could interest you.
If aging skin is your main concern, it is worth checking our best collagen for wrinkles article.
FAQ
Is taking hyaluronic acid orally effective?
Yes, hyaluronic acid supplementation has shown to be potentially beneficial for certain indications, such as skin and joint health support.
Which supplement is better: collagen or hyaluronic acid?
Both supplements could be beneficial for joint and skin health. Usually, hyaluronic acid is recommended for skin hydration while collagen is a preferred option for fine lines and wrinkles. Right now, no research studies are comparing the effects of collagen and hyaluronic acid.
Can I take hyaluronic acid supplements daily?
Yes, hyaluronic acid supplements can be taken daily. Avoid taking hyaluronic acid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have underlying conditions.
How many mg of hyaluronic acid should I take?
The typical dose is 100–200 mg per day, aligning with the common range across various research studies. However, higher dosages of 240 mg have also been analyzed and showed benefits.
8 resources
- European Journal of Cell Biology. Hyaluronan catabolism: a new metabolic pathway.
- Dermato-Endocrinology. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging.
- Skin Research & Technology. Oral administration of hyaluronic acid to improve skin conditions via a randomized double-blind clinical test.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over 12 weeks.
- Polymers (Basel). Hyaluronic Acid: The Influence of Molecular Weight on Structural, Physical, Physico-Chemical, and Degradable Properties of Biopolymer.
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Ingestion of an Oral Hyaluronan Solution Improves Skin Hydration, Wrinkle Reduction, Elasticity, and Skin Roughness: Results of a Clinical Study.
- Medicine. The effect of oral low molecular weight liquid hyaluronic acid combination with glucosamine and chondroitin on knee osteoarthritis patients with mild knee pain.
- Nutrition Journal. Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review.
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