Hyaluronic acidDoes hyaluronic acid work?
Short answer
Taken by mouth, it has some support for skin. A 2025 meta-analysis of 7 trials found better skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkle depth than with placebo, but no clear effect on firmness.[1]
For joints, a 2024 review found 11 studies of hyaluronic acid taken by mouth, with 597 patients in total. Of these, 9 reported less pain or better function.[2] Most joint research tested injections into the knee instead. A 2022 meta-analysis of 169 trials found that, in large trials, injections lowered pain only a little, less than patients notice.[3]
Hyaluronic acid eye drops are studied for dry eyes. A 2017 review found them about as good as other artificial tears.[4]
Sources (4)
- Oral Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Efficacy in Skin Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkle Depth Reduction. Amin P, Sarabi A, Choe S, Scott S, Suh S, Mesinkovska NA J Drugs Dermatol, 2025. PMID 40911749
- Oral Hyaluronic Acid in Osteoarthritis and Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. de Carvalho JF, Davidson J Mediterr J Rheumatol, 2024. PMID 39886281
- Viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Pereira TV, Jüni P, Saadat P, Xing D, Yao L, Bobos P, et al. BMJ, 2022. PMID 36333100
- Sodium Hyaluronate in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ang BCH, Sng JJ, Wang PXH, Htoon HM, Tong LHT Sci Rep, 2017. PMID 28827614
More about hyaluronic acid
What is hyaluronic acid?Are hyaluronic acid supplements the same as hyaluronic acid injections?How long does hyaluronic acid take to work?Is hyaluronic acid safe?Do hyaluronic acid supplements improve skin?Do hyaluronic acid supplements help knee pain?For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.