Different Types of Hyaluronic Acid

Today, we'll be sharing all about Hyaluronic Acid and the products with Hyaluronic Acid that K-beauty lovers love!

First of all, what is Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring branched carbohydrate or sugar found throughout our body’s connective tissue. In skincare, there are different types of hyaluronic acid that can be used in cosmetic formulations.

Although its name contains the word “acid”, Hyaluronic Acid does not exfoliate the skin like AHA or BHA, so it mixes well with others and is safe for sensitive skin.

Once Hyaluronic Acid sinks into the skin, it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, giving the skin a soft, plumper texture, resulting in a more even skin tone,  as well as improved fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is also super gentle on the skin barrier, making it a good choice of hydrating ingredient for all skin types.

Although these effects sound great, not all hyaluronic acid molecules are created equal. The effects of Hyaluronic Acid can vary based on the molecular size, and there are actually six different sizes of Hyaluronic Acid. Different molecular weights penetrate to different levels of the skin, and although there are 6 sizes, they are separated into two types: low molecular weight and high molecular weight.

Since molecules with lower molecular weight are smaller, they can reach the deeper layers of skin. There, they sustain the skin’s moisture content. This additional moisture makes the skin firmer and visibly reduces wrinkles. When using low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, the moisture is stored in the skin sustainably. Therefore, it has more advantages and above all a more lasting effect.

Those with high molecular weights, on the other hand, remain closer to the surface, where they can deliver the most visible results with a shorter life-span. As the results will be washed away with the next cleansing ritual. It cannot penetrate the skin barrier, but it forms a film with the keratin of the skin, moisturizing the skin and improving its elasticity. Hyaluronic Acid with a higher molecular weight also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for soothing the skin.

Now that we've learned more about this hydrating ingredient, here are some of our recommended products with Hyaluronic Acid that you can incorporate into your routine (all of which are available on Althea at the best prices):

MAMONDE

Floral Hydro Ampoule Toner

TONER

Don't underestimate the power of a delicate flower! MAMONDE Floral Hydro Ampoule Toner has a moisturizing formula featuring both narcissus extract and hyaluronic acid to give the skin a hydrated and juicy glow. It plumps up the layers of the skin, leaving the skin looking smooth and feeling supple. The quick-absorbing texture of this product also makes sure that the skin stays moisturized for long periods of time.

PYUNKANG YUL

Mist Toner

MIST/ESSENCE/TONER

Immediately quench thirsty, sensitive skin with this cooling, hydrating mist! Instantly soothing sensitive, parched skin, it transforms it into a glowing, supple complexion. Featuring barberry root extract, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this product creates a protective moisture barrier on the skin, preventing dehydration. Use this on its own, or mist over makeup to give your look a refreshing boost!

ELIZAVECCA

Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic Acid 97%

SERUM 

To get glowing, radiant skin, you’ll have to feed your skin with the right kind of ingredients, so what better way to do that than with a serum that’s packed with 97% pure hyaluronic acid? This serum is a deeply moisturizing product that absorbs into the skin and encourages collagen production while ensuring that the layers are plumped up for a smooth, bouncy complexion.

BEAUTY OF JOSEON

Centella Asiatica Calming Mask

SHEET MASK

Keep calm and banish skin troubles with this soothing and calming sheet mask! Formulated with both centella asiatica extracts and hyaluronic acid, it helps calm redness, repair the skin and hydrate it from within. It’s also infused with mugwort, goji berry and ginseng to brighten and nourish the skin, leaving you with a healthy, glowing complexion.

NIGHTINGALE

Derma Soothing Mineral O2 Cream

MOISTURIZER

Breathe new life into your skincare routine with this moisturizer's unique gel-cream texture that melts onto the skin, instantly cooling and soothing irritated skin. Featuring hyaluronic acid, yarrow, and Rose of Jericho extracts, this product keeps the complexion moisturized, while oxygen bubbles found from Jeju's volcanic bedrock water adds on radiance and brightness. This product even has anti-ageing properties to prevent those dreaded wrinkles!

LANEIGE

Water Sleeping Mask

SLEEPING MASK

Wake up beautiful with the world's best-selling sleeping mask, a fave of Altheans all over the world! This best-selling mask has a light texture that provides intensive hydration, vitality, and brightening to the skin, helping to restore the skin and relax it deeply. Best of all, it’s also formulated with skin-soothing agents that are gentle on the sleeping skin, helping it to recover overnight!

Get hydrated skin and check out our Hyaluronic Acid products on www.althea.kr today.