Hyaluronic Acid
Also known as: HA, sodium hyaluronate
What It Does
The gold standard hydrator. Holds up to 1000 times its weight in water, plumping skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule in the skin that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. This exceptional water-binding capacity makes it the gold standard hydrator in skincare. HA exists naturally in the dermis where it cushions and lubricates, but production declines with age, leading to dryness and loss of volume.
Japanese brands pioneered the use of multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid in a single product. Different molecular weights target different skin layers: high molecular weight HA (large molecules) hydrates the surface and forms a moisture-retaining film, medium molecular weight penetrates the epidermis, and low molecular weight (nano HA) reaches deeper layers for plumping from within.
Hada Labo, one of the most popular drugstore brands in Japan, built its entire line around this multi-weight HA philosophy. The brand helped popularize the layering hydration approach that is now a hallmark of Japanese skincare. You will find HA in nearly every Japanese moisturizer, serum, and toner, often labeled as sodium hyaluronate.
Binds water molecules to hydrate skin. Large molecules form a moisture barrier on the surface, smaller molecules penetrate to plump from within.
The Japanese Context
Japanese brands pioneered multi-molecular-weight HA technology. Hada Labo popularized layered hydration approach built entirely on HA.
Best For
How It's Used
Typical concentration: 0.1 to 2%, often multiple molecular weights in one product
Ingredient Interactions
Side Effects and Cautions
Very well tolerated. In extremely dry climates, may draw moisture from deeper skin layers if not sealed with an occlusive.
Products With Hyaluronic Acid
Acseine
Hypoallergenic Moist Balance Lotion For Sensitive Skin - 360ml
Where to buy →Addiction
Addiction The Skincare Foundation
Where to buy →
Albion
Exage Moist Advance Milk II Emulsion for Normal Skin
Where to buy →
Anessa
Anessa Brightening UV Sunscreen Gel (2026)
Where to buy →
Anessa
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel (2026)
Where to buy →
Anessa
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+/PA++++
Where to buy →
Aqualabel
Aqualabel Special Gel Cream (Moist)
Where to buy →
Asahi
Suhada Shizuku Placenta Lotion for Dewy Skin - 200ml
Where to buy →ASTALIFT
ASTALIFT Jelly Aquarysta
Where to buy →
Atorrege
Face Moisturizing Lotion
Where to buy →
Atorrege
Skin Treatment Lotion Gentle Sensitive Skin Toner
Where to buy →Bifesta (Mandom)
Bifesta UV Moist Gel SPF50+
Where to buy →Biore
Biore UV Barrier Me Moisturizing Jelly
Where to buy →Biore
Biore UV Aqua Rich Airy Hold Cream SPF50+/PA++++
Where to buy →Biore
Biore UV Aqua Rich Tone Up Essence SPF50+
Where to buy →
Biore
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++ (Japanese Version)
Where to buy →
Canmake
Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF50+/PA++++
Where to buy →Canmake
Canmake Perfect Stylist Eyes
Where to buy →
Cezanne
Cezanne Pearl Glow Highlight
Where to buy →Cezanne
Cezanne Skin Conditioner High Moist
Where to buy →Cezanne
Cezanne UV Ultra Fit Base N SPF36/PA++
Where to buy →Chifure
Chifure Moisture Gel (Uruoi Gel)
Where to buy →Country & Stream
Country & Stream Honey UV Water Gel SPF50+
Where to buy →Meishoku
Detclear Bright & Peel AHA+BHA Peeling Jelly
Where to buy →Dr. Ci:Labo
Dr. Ci:Labo Super White 377 VC Serum
Where to buy →Dr. Medion
Dr. Medion Spaoxy Gel Bright Plus CO2 Mask
Where to buy →Elixir
Shiseido Elixir Superieur Day Care Revolution SPF50+
Where to buy →Etvos
Etvos Mineral Cushion Foundation
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Foaming Wash Pearl Barley
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Face Cleansing Foam
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Cream
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Light
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Gokujun Perfect Gel
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Cream
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Emulsion
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Firming Lotion - 170ml
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Lotion
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Gokujyun Firming All-in-One Gel
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lip Balm SPF15
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Cream
Where to buy →Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Essence
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Milky Lotion
Where to buy →Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Wrinkle Care Cream
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun 3D Lifting Gel
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Koi Gokujyun Moisturizing Mask
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun White Gel UV SPF50+
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Instant Hydrating Kotojyun Mask
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Shirojyun Lotion Moist
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Shirojyun Moisturizing Emulsion
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Shirojyun Moisturizing Lotion Refill - 170ml
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Brightening Cream
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Shirojyun Premium Deep Whitening Cream
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Shirojyun Premium Gel Cream
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion
Where to buy →
Rohto
Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Milky Lotion
Where to buy →Hada Labo
Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun UV Perfect Gel SPF50+
Where to buy →Kanebo
KANEBO On Skin Essence F
Where to buy →Kose
Kose Clear Turn Essence Mask (Vitamin C)
Where to buy →
Kose
Kose Clear Turn Hyaluronic Acid Mask
Where to buy →
Kose
Kose Suncut Perfect UV Protect Gel SPF50+
Where to buy →Kracie
Kracie Hadabisei Wrinkle Care Moisture Gel Cream
Where to buy →Love Liner (msh)
Love Liner Liquid Eyeliner
Where to buy →Maquillage
Maquillage Dramatic Skin Sensor Base UV SPF25
Where to buy →Meishoku
Meishoku Ceracolla Perfect Gel
Where to buy →
Rohto
Mentholatum Water Lip Balm
Where to buy →Momopuri (BCL)
Momopuri Moisturizing Serum
Where to buy →Naris Up
Naris Up Skin Conditioner (Hyaluronic Acid)
Where to buy →Nivea
Nivea Japan Moisture Lip Water Type Balm SPF20 PA++
Where to buy →
Nivea
NIVEA SUN Protect Super Water Gel SPF50 PA+++
Where to buy →Nivea
Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Gel SPF50+/PA++++
Where to buy →Orbis
Orbis U Lotion
Where to buy →
PDC
Wafood Made Sake Lees Moisture Lotion - 190ml
Where to buy →Reihaku
Reihaku Hatomugi UV Milky Gel SPF50+
Where to buy →Rosette
Rosette Cleansing Paste Sea Mud Smooth
Where to buy →BCL
Saborino Morning Sheet Mask
Where to buy →Aqualabel
Shiseido Aqualabel Treatment Lotion
Where to buy →
Senka
Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip
Where to buy →Senka
Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+
Where to buy →
Rohto
Skin Aqua Super Moisture Barrier UV Essence
Where to buy →
Rohto
Skin Aqua Super Moisture Barrier UV Gel
Where to buy →
Rohto
Skin Aqua Sarafit UV Smooth Watery Essence SPF50+
Where to buy →
Skin Aqua
Skin Aqua Serum UV (2026 Formula)
Where to buy →
Rohto
Skin Aqua Super Moisture Essence SPF50+/PA++++
Where to buy →
Skin Aqua
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel SPF50+/PA++++
Where to buy →
Rohto
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk SPF50+/PA++++
Where to buy →
Rohto
Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence Happiness Aura
Where to buy →
Rohto
Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence Latte Beige
Where to buy →
Skin Aqua
Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence Lavender (2026)
Where to buy →
Rohto
Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence Mint
Where to buy →Kose
Suncut Ultra Light Touch UV Essence
Where to buy →Club Cosmetics
Club Suppin Powder (24h Wear)
Where to buy →
Tunemakers
Tunemakers Undiluted Solution Moisture Cream
Where to buy →
Tunemakers
Tunemakers Undiluted Moisture Lotion
Where to buy →
Biore
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 (US Version)
Where to buy →
Biore
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF50+/PA++++
Where to buy →
Skin Aqua (Rohto)
Skin Aqua Super Moisture UV Mist SPF50+ PA++++
Where to buy →
Atlix (Kao)
Atlix Beauty Charge Hand Cream - Peach Tea
Where to buy →
Canmake
Canmake Glow Fleur Cheeks
Where to buy →
Canmake
Canmake Plump Lip Care Scrub
Where to buy →
Decorté
Decorté Moisture Liposome Mask
Where to buy →
Fujiko
Fujiko Kakitashi Mayu Eyebrow Tint
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun 3D Lift Perfect Mask
Where to buy →
SUQQU
SUQQU Lip Concentrate Balm
Where to buy →
SUQQU
SUQQU Signature Color Eyes Palette
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Cleanser
Where to buy →
Anessa
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+/PA++++
Where to buy →
d-program
D Program Allerbarrier Essence N SPF50+ PA+++
Where to buy →
Decorté
Decorté Liposome Advanced Repair Serum
Where to buy →
Grace One
KOSE Grace One Perfect Gel Cream EX
Where to buy →
Ettusais
Ettusais Lip Essence SPF18
Where to buy →
Shiseido
SHISEIDO Essence Skin Setting Powder
Where to buy →
Muji
Muji Fermented Rice Bran Booster Serum
Where to buy →
EXCEL
EXCEL Ethereal Serum Concealer
Where to buy →
Visee
Visee Essence Lip Plumper
Where to buy →
ALFACE+
ALFACE+ Diamond Moisture Mask
Where to buy →
Kohaku Hada
Kohaku Hada Lotion
Where to buy →
Biore
Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Lotion SPF50+ PA++++
Where to buy →
Gatsby
Gatsby Facial Wash Moisture Foam
Where to buy →
Nile
Nile All in One Lotion
Where to buy →Rosette
Rosette Ceramide Gel
Where to buy →
Cezanne
Cezanne UV Clear Face Powder SPF28 PA+++
Where to buy →
Anessa
Anessa Perfect UV Daytime Defense Essence SPF50+ PA++++
Where to buy →Rohto
Skin Aqua Super Moisture UV Light Up Essence SPF50+ PA++++
Where to buy →Mediplus
Mediplus Gel DX
Where to buy →Muji
MUJI Sensitive Skin All-in-One Gel
Where to buy →
Chifure
Chifure Whitening Essence TA
Where to buy →
Canmake
Canmake Lip & Cheek Gel
Where to buy →
Baby Foot
Baby Foot Moisturizing Foot Mask
Where to buy →
DHC
DHC CoQ10 Serum
Where to buy →
Pmel
Pmel Perfect Curl Lock Base
Where to buy →
Suisai
Suisai Beauty Clear Fruit Powder Wash
Where to buy →
Orbis
Orbis Powder Wash Plus
Where to buy →Hada Labo Tokyo
Hada Labo Tokyo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Sheet Mask
Where to buy →Kose
Kose Clear Turn 6-in-1 Retinol Face Mask (50 Sheets)
Where to buy →
d program