Protocols › Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid for skin

Goal: What trials of hyaluronic acid taken by mouth used to improve skin moisture and fine wrinkles.

Each protocol describes what studies used, for one goal or for one group of people. It is not advice for you: talk to a doctor before you start a supplement.

Updated 9 Nov 2026
Dose

120 mg a day in three trials.[1][2][3] Other trials gave 60 mg or 200 mg a day.[3][4]

Form

Hyaluronic acid of 300 kDa to 1.8 MDa, or a mix of sizes.[2][3][4]

How long

4 to 12 weeks.[4][1][3]

What studies found

A 2025 meta-analysis of 7 trials found better skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkle depth than with placebo, but the trials were small.[5] In 150 healthy adults, 120 mg a day for 12 weeks raised hydration and elasticity and reduced wrinkle depth around the eyes.[3]

Ask a doctor first

Rooster comb extract is a source of hyaluronic acid. When EFSA judged it safe, the target group that the maker proposed left out pregnant women, children and people who react to sodium hyaluronate or to bird protein.[6]

People who are pregnant, want to give it to a child or take medicines every day should ask a doctor or pharmacist first.[6][7]

References

  1. 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
  2. Ingestion of hyaluronans (molecular weights 800 k and 300 k) improves dry skin conditions: a randomized, double blind, controlled study. Kawada C, Yoshida T, Yoshida H, Sakamoto W, Odanaka W, Sato T, et al. J Clin Biochem Nutr, 2015. PMID 25834304
  3. Oral sodium hyaluronate improves skin hydration, barrier function and signs of aging: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 150 healthy adults. Dolečková I, Kušnierik P, Berka V, Šimek M, Matějková I, Prokopec F, et al. Sci Rep, 2025. PMID 41422283
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Scientific Opinion on Rooster Combs Extract. European Food Safety Authority, 2013. efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  7. Osteoarthritis: In Depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2016. www.nccih.nih.gov