Hyaluronic acid is one of skincare's most discussed ingredients, and often described inaccurately. The confusion comes from one point: the same name refers to uses that work very differently, depending on whether it is in a cream or a syringe.
What it is, briefly
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body and can bind substantial amounts of water. This is why it is used in cosmetics: to retain water where it is applied.
On labels, look for Sodium hyaluronate (its salt, the most commonly used form), Hyaluronic acid or Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
The important distinction: cream or injection?
These are separate categories. Confusing them creates unrealistic expectations.
- In a cream — it is a cosmetic. It retains water at the skin's surface and can make the skin look smoother and more even. It does not externally fill deeper structures.
- Injected — it is a medical procedure, performed by qualified healthcare professionals. Fillers use denser, cross-linked hyaluronic acid to add volume; biorevitalisation may use non-cross-linked forms.
To be clear: no cream does what a filler does. Suggesting otherwise creates an expectation the product cannot fulfil. Read about procedure differences and prices in how much facial biorevitalisation costs.
Molecular weight, in plain language
Packaging often mentions “high and low molecular weight”. This means:
- High molecular weight — larger molecules that remain at the surface and form a water-retaining film, helping the skin feel smoother.
- Low molecular weight — smaller molecules that can distribute differently within the outermost layers.
Some formulas combine several molecular weights. But “low molecular weight” does not mean the ingredient acts in deeper tissues like an injection. It remains cosmetic care.
A practical application detail
Hyaluronic acid binds water. How it feels on your skin also depends on the complete formula, surrounding humidity and the other products used. A serum alone may feel insufficient on very dry skin or in a very dry environment.
A useful approach is to apply it to slightly damp skin and follow with a cream, where the product directions allow. This is one reason serum usually comes before cream in a routine.
Three checks when choosing
- Find it in the INCI, not only on the packaging. “With hyaluronic acid” does not establish how much the formula contains.
- Consider its position in context. Ingredients above 1% are listed in descending order; those at 1% or below may follow in any order. Position alone does not reveal exact concentration.
- Assess the entire formula. A moisturiser should be judged as a whole, not by a single name.
Find the full method in how to read a cosmetic INCI list.
What about ELAXO formulas?
We prefer to be clear: ELAXO's Serum and Cream do not contain hyaluronic acid. The N°1 PDRN Face Serum approaches hydration with glucomannan and fermented ingredients; the N°2 PDRN Face Cream uses squalane, sweet almond oil and phospholipids. Both are formulated around marine-derived PDRN, plant-derived exosomes and cosmetic peptides. Together, they form the Ritual. These are different approaches to caring for the skin's appearance, and we do not claim to include every ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
Does hyaluronic acid cream fill wrinkles?
No. It retains water at the surface and can make skin look smoother and more even, but does not add volume like a filler, which is a medical procedure.
Can it be used every day?
Cosmetic formulas are intended for daily use. Tolerance still depends on the whole formula and individual sensitivity.
Hyaluronic acid or PDRN?
They are neither interchangeable nor necessarily alternatives: they are different molecules with different histories and uses. Compare complete formulas rather than isolated ingredients.
Is it useful for oily skin too?
Hydration concerns water, not oil. Skin producing plenty of sebum can still be dehydrated. The product's texture matters more than the ingredient alone.
Key points
In a cream, hyaluronic acid retains water and improves the surface appearance. Injected, it belongs to medical care. Neither the packaging claim nor its position in the ingredient list reveals an exact concentration.
If you are considering a PDRN serum, find our selection criteria in the free guide, available to read immediately without providing an email address.
