Is hyaluronic acid safe?

In studies, hyaluronic acid taken by mouth caused few side effects. A 2024 review of 11 joint studies, with doses of 30 to 300 mg a day, found side effects rare and mild.^[1] In a 6-week trial in 61 people with dry skin, dermatologists found no side effects linked to it.^[2]

EFSA judged rooster comb extract, a source of hyaluronic acid, safe at the use its maker proposed, up to 80 mg a day. The maker's target group left out pregnant women, children and people who react to sodium hyaluronate or to bird protein.^[3]

Injections carry more risk. In large trials, hyaluronic acid injections into the knee raised the risk of serious adverse events by about half compared with placebo (relative risk 1.49).^[4] Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you are pregnant, are allergic to bird protein or take medicines every day.^[3][5]