Hyaluronic acid

How long does hyaluronic acid take to work?

Updated 9 Nov 2026

Short answer

In skin trials, effects appeared after 2 to 12 weeks. Skin hydration rose after 2 to 8 weeks in one trial and after 28 days in another.[1][2] Wrinkles improved after 8 and 12 weeks, and the outer skin layer became thicker after 12 weeks.[3][1]

Joint studies lasted 4 weeks to 12 months.[4] In one 12-month knee trial, a difference from placebo was seen at months 2 and 4, only in people aged 70 or younger.[5]

Sources (5)

  1. Oral administration of hyaluronic acid to improve skin conditions via a randomized double-blind clinical test. Gao YR, Wang RP, Zhang L, Fan Y, Luan J, Liu Z, et al. Skin Res Technol, 2023. PMID 38009035
  2. Oral intake of a new full-spectrum hyaluronan improves skin profilometry and ageing: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Michelotti A, Cestone E, De Ponti I, Pisati M, Sparta E, Tursi F Eur J Dermatol, 2021. PMID 34933842
  3. Oral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study. Hsu TF, Su ZR, Hsieh YH, Wang MF, Oe M, Matsuoka R, et al. Nutrients, 2021. PMID 34203487
  4. Oral Hyaluronic Acid in Osteoarthritis and Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. de Carvalho JF, Davidson J Mediterr J Rheumatol, 2024. PMID 39886281
  5. Oral administration of polymer hyaluronic acid alleviates symptoms of knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study over a 12-month period. Tashiro T, Seino S, Sato T, Matsuoka R, Masuda Y, Fukui N ScientificWorldJournal, 2012. PMID 23226979

More about hyaluronic acid

What is hyaluronic acid?Are hyaluronic acid supplements the same as hyaluronic acid injections?Does hyaluronic acid 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.