It has been estimated that a person weighing 70 kg (around 155 lbs) has 15 grams of hyaluronic acid (HA) in their body. Moreover, one-third of this substance is replenished daily. While it happens naturally, supplementation with HA may also prove beneficial by hydrating the skin, reducing wrinkles, and supporting joint health.
If you are wondering if HA supplements are worth your consideration, we have crafted this article as a guide on everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Not only did our team select a few products to explore, but we also prepared a summary of some current academic research insights on HA and its possible benefits.
Best hyaluronic acid supplements: a shortlist
- Best overall: ProHealth
- Best for skin: Ritual
- Best with vitamin C: Herba
- Best budget-friendly: Double Wood Supplements
- Best gummy: HUM
Your well-being is our top priority. Our in-house Research team and expert fact-checkers diligently review every content piece, ensuring you receive accurate, safe, and up-to-date health information to support your health decisions. Get an inside look at our thorough testing framework.
Why do we think ProHealth is the best hyaluronic acid supplement?
ProHealth stands out in the supplement market due to its commitment to transparency. All their products are third-party tested with the testing results readily accessible on the official website — including for this HA supplement.
We also appreciated that the product does not feature any other active ingredients and can thus be easily integrated into a wide variety of diets. Moreover, the total amount of HA per serving is 200 mg.
For those on a budget, ProHealth is currently priced at only $0.22 per serving. Buyers can also save 30% off their orders by opting for a subscription which can be altered or cancelled completely at any time.
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 — overall best hyaluronic acid supplement
Amazon rating — 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ProHealth’s Hyaluronic Acid starts our list as an affordable option backed by third-party testing.
Key ingredients
The product contains only one active ingredient: 200 mg of hyaluronic acid per serving.
What users reported about ProHealth
Positive experiences included:
- Positive skin effects, including increased plumpness
- Joint health support
- Ease of use
Negative experiences included:
Due to few reviews, there are no major drawbacks that could be attributed to this product.
Company review
ProHealth is a longevity supplement brand considered highly transparent due to third-party testing. This also applies to ProHealth’s Hyaluronic Acid, whose label accuracy has been verified by an independent laboratory, with the results available on the official website. Additionally, ProHealth manufactures its products in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility.
Final verdict
We have picked ProHealth as our top choice for hyaluronic acid supplements due to its simple formula, the brand’s transparency, and affordable price.
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 HA supplement for skin health
Amazon rating — 4.2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If hyaluronic acid supplements found their way into your shopping list for potential skin benefits, HyaCera™ by 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.
Key ingredients
One serving of this product delivers 120 mg of sodium hyaluronate, of which 95% is hyaluronic acid.
What users reported about Ritual
Positive experiences included:
- Skin hydration
- Easy to take
- Quick shipping
Negative experiences included:
- Expensive pricing
- Side effects, including clogged pores
- Issues with customer support
Company review
Ritual is a well-known supplement brand that stands out due to 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 safe for consumption before reaching the consumers.
Final verdict
HyaCera™ by Ritual is an option worth considering for those who are looking for skin benefits. Our team has chosen to include Ritual thanks to their clean-label ingredients and transparency regarding manufacturing.
For those who are prioritizing high quality in their supplement regime, this product can be purchased at $54 per bottle ($1.80 per serving).
3. Herba — best HA supplement with vitamin C
Official website — 4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Made to potentially support skin and joint health, the Hyaluronic Acid Supplement with Vitamin C by Herba is a two-active-ingredient supplement.
Key ingredients
This Herba 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.
What users reported about Herba
Positive experiences include:
- Skin benefits, including increased hydration
- Joint health support
- Fast shipping
Negative experiences include:
- Unpleasantly tasting capsule
- Higher price point
- No noticeable effects
Company review
Herba, a Canadian wellness company established in 2003, operates in facilities that comply with cGMP guidelines.
As stated on the website, this hyaluronic acid supplement is tested for quality, although the brand does not specify whether that includes testing by an independent laboratory.
Final verdict
Herba’s Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C supplement offers a convenient, once-daily formula designed for skin and joint health.
Herba is priced at $37 or $0.37 per serving for a one-time purchase.
4. Double Wood Supplements — best HA supplement on a budget
Amazon rating — 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Double Wood Supplements, a supplement manufacturer known for single-ingredient formulas, presents their Hyaluronic Acid Supplement as crafted for joint and skin health.
Key ingredients
Containing no other ingredients, this product boasts 200 mg of hyaluronic acid in each serving (2 capsules).
What users reported about Double Wood Supplements
Positive experiences included:
- Joint health support
- Hydrated skin
- Easy to take
Negative experiences included:
- Misleading label — the serving dose (200 mg) is two, not one capsule
- No noticeable effects
- Possible changes in the formula
Company review
Double Wood Supplements is a U.S.-based supplement company operating since 2013. As per their official website, their commitment lies in transparency, quality, and accessibility.
With the COA from third-party testing for this product available on the official website, Double Wood Supplements reinforces trust and confidence in the brand.
Final verdict
If you are looking for a wallet-friendly and third-party-tested hyaluronic acid supplement, Double Wood Supplements might be a great option for you.
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. For those who want to save even more, consider buying this product from the official website with a subscription.
5. HUM — best HA supplement in a gummy form
Crafted to support skin health, these tangerine-flavored Hyaluronic Glow Gummies by HUM are vegan and non-GMO, thus, easy to incorporate in a wide range of diets.
Key ingredients
Two gummies (one serving) deliver 120 mg of hyaluronic acid.
Other ingredients include vitamins E and C, and Amla fruit extract.
What users reported about HUM
Positive experiences included:
- GMP-certified facilities
- Certification of Clean label project
- Vegan-friendly
Negative experiences included:
- No third-party testing certificate available online
- Contains 2 grams of sugar per serving
Opinions on the taste were mixed; some praised the texture and citrus flavor, while others found the gummies too hard, bitter, or acidic.
Company review
HUM is a Canadian brand known for its scientific approach to supplements. With Clean label project certification, HUM’s products undergo third-party testing to check for environmental contaminants and harmful substances. Moreover, their products are made in GMP-certified facilities, ensuring strict safety standards.
Final verdict
If you prefer your supplements in a gummy form, HUM is worth exploring. With their vegan-friendly formula, these HA gummies may suit a wide range of diets.
One jar of these HUM 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.
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 | 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 |
How we compiled our list of the best hyaluronic acid supplements
Our team has analyzed over 20 hyaluronic acid products on the market and narrowed it down to 5 finalists based on the factors 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 on oral HA used 120–200 mg, 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.
- 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 prices were ranked more favorably.
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 body’s HA content is found there. Hyaluronic acid preserves tissue hydration, facilitates the transport of nutrients to cells, and is a powerful antioxidant.
Hyaluronic acid benefits for your health
As per academic literature, there are a few benefits associated with hyaluronic acid.
However, keep in mind that not all of them are as well-researched as others. Moreover, for some benefits, the route of administration may not be oral and thus may not apply to supplements.
Products containing hyaluronic acid:
Since there are many different products containing hyaluronic acid, we decided to give a brief overview of some of the benefits people expect from HA and explain the research behind them.
Skin hydration and elasticity
Hyaluronic acid has the property of retaining water — holding up to 1,000 times its own weight. For this reason, it is one of the most sought-after ingredients in skincare. But oral supplementation of HA may also have benefits for the skin as shown in various studies.
As per one review, ingested HA may increase skin moisture and improve treatment outcomes in patients with dry skin. The review also suggested that consuming HA may help increase its production within the skin and promote the growth of fibroblasts, a type of cell that is found in connective tissues.
Joint lubrication
Hyaluronic acid is one of the key components in synovial fluid which lubricates the joints and reduces friction. For this reason, HA supplementation may be an option for those who experience joint pain.
One review consisting of 13 clinical trials concluded that using 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.
Hyaluronic acid injections are also available as a joint pain management option for conditions such as osteoarthritis. This administration is seen as a more effective option compared to supplementation as injections allow to rapidly increase the amount of HA in the joint to promote pain relief.
Wound healing
As hyaluronic acid plays a role in tissue regeneration via regulating inflammatory response, its inclusion is proposed to promote better healing. Although there are no studies on supplementation with HA for wounds, some studies on topical HA support this theory.
For instance, one systematic review analyzing clinical trials on topical HA treatment efficacy for healing wounds from burns, venous insufficiency, diabetes, neuropathic insufficiency, and tattoo removal concludes that HA derivates may be able to improve their healing. Moreover, a study on HA-based dressings also concluded similar findings, supporting their usage in wound healing.
Eye health
Hyaluronic acid is associated with eye health due to its presence in the vitreous humor — a gel-like substance that is found between the lens and the retina of the eyeball. Although there are no current studies on the supplementation of HA and eye health, HA is widely used in eye drops for dryness relief and operations for better healing after surgery.
Gum health
Emerging studies on gum health suggest that hyaluronic acid may be beneficial in this area due to potential anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects.
For instance, some scientific data suggests that topical HA adjuncts may be useful in gum diseases like gingivitis. However, the results are contradictive, with some studies marking no effectiveness.
Nonetheless, HA is often found in oral care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and gum gel.
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 example, some sources outline such possible side effects as gastric discomfort, reflux esophagitis, and appetite loss.
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.
Final thoughts
Hyaluronic acid is associated with many benefits. It is a common ingredient in skincare products, as topical application may increase skin hydration.
However, emerging research is beginning to highlight the potential of HA as a dietary supplement, as it may also contribute to skin health by hydrating it and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, the benefits are also observed in joints, as HA is relatively abundant in synovial fluid, which lubricates and reduces friction between joints.
Other applications such as eye and gum health are based on research that is not directly done on HA supplementation. For instance, HA-containing eye drops may be beneficial for dry eyes.
Other supplements that you may be interested in
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
How long does it take for hyaluronic acid to show results?
This depends on your desired results. Some of them could be hard to notice, such as reduced wrinkle formation or wound healing. For instance, although HA is likely to speed up the healing process, it is almost impossible to say how fast HA might help the wound to heal as healing will depend on other factors as well (e.g. type and severity of wound, individual variation in time of healing).
Are hyaluronic acid supplements vegan-friendly?
Some hyaluronic acid supplements are vegan-friendly as the compound can be derived from non-animal sources. However, read the label to verify whether it is vegan-friendly. Not only could HA be derived from animal tissues, but the capsule could also contain such ingredients as gelatin, which is animal collagen.
Can I combine hyaluronic acid with other supplements?
It is best to consult your healthcare provider if you plan to combine various supplements.
What is the recommended daily dosage for hyaluronic acid supplements?
There are no specific guidelines for the recommended daily dose. Follow the advice from the manufacturer or consult your doctor. Most research studies analyzing HA supplementation used doses typically ranging from 100 to 200 mg per day.
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.
12 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.
- Nutrition Journal. Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review.
- Nutrition Journal. Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin.
- BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. The mechanism of action for hyaluronic acid treatment in the osteoarthritic knee: a systematic review.
- Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. Efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid in the management of osteoarthritis: Evidence from real-life setting trials and surveys.
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Eye Drops for the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrom.
- American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid in Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
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