If you’re after plump, hydrated, dewy-looking skin (and who isn’t), your face has probably been up close and personal with a hyaluronic acid product. Or two. This beloved moisture-binding molecule is found in everything from serums to moisturisers and, increasingly, foundations and makeup as well.
Which probably has you pondering, is it safe to layer hyaluronic acid with beauty products? The good news is this: HA layers like a dream. As a sugar molecule (not an acid as its name suggests) able to retain 1000 times its weight in water, HA is the teacher’s pet of skin care. It always plays nicely, gets on with others and rarely causes any irritation. (That’s more retinol’s style.)
So, let’s stop chatting and get this hydration party started. For everything you need to know about layering beauty products with hyaluronic acid, read on.
Can you layer Hyaluronic Acid with makeup?
With its instantly hydrating and plumping properties, hyaluronic acid products create the perfect canvas for your makeup. Did someone say *juicy*?
Here’s how you can prep your skin for an ultra-smooth makeup application with hyaluronic acid. Apply the Tasmanian Spring Water Splash Serum to freshly cleansed, slightly damp (why’s this necessary?) skin. Coat your skin with a thin layer of the Hydration Boost Cream, which seals in moisture. And don’t forget your SPF!
Once your base is ready, apply your foundation or tinted moisturiser – watch how it glides on! Perfect for dewy makeup looks that are taking the internet by storm in the form of the ‘Clean Girl’ aesthetic.
Best ingredient pairings with Hyaluronic Acid
Fact: hyaluronic acid is one of the most beneficial ingredients to use if your skin is dry or dehydrated, or you’d like to combat loss of volume and fine lines. And it’s also one of the easiest, as it occurs naturally in the skin and mixes well with virtually every ingredient in your routine. Especially these.
Retinol (PM)
If hyaluronic acid’s the teacher’s pet, retinol is more like the class clown. It can be kind of irritating, and a little goes a long way. But it also brings a lot of joy, boosting cellular turnover for radiant and youthful-looking skin.
It can be drying though, especially at high concentrations. Enter hyaluronic acid – the perfect pairing for retinol, thanks to its anti-dryness action.
When layering these ingredients in your evening routine, start with the more active retinol first, give your skin a few minutes to drink it up, and then follow with your HA. Skip the retinol in the morning as it can increase sun sensitivity, and combine your hyaluronic acid with everyone’s favourite antioxidant, Vitamin C, instead.
Vitamin C (AM)
An amazing anti-ageing ingredient, Vitamin C brightens skin tone and boosts collagen production. The staple of any good morning routine, it also helps protects against free radical damage from damaging UV rays.
As with retinol, it’s best to apply Vitamin C first as this maximises its antioxidant action. If you're going to be outdoors all day, get your Vitamin C fix from the Dreamy Glow Drops. Wait a few minutes, then layer your hyaluronic acid moisturiser on top. And don’t forget to always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen – your anti-ageing must-have!
Niacinamide (AM or PM)
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid work well together any time of the day, and is especially handy for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Niacinamide is a soothing and strengthening active ingredient that also balances sebum and shrinks pores – no wonder it’s another dermatologist fave.
To combine niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for sensitive or acne-prone skin, clear pore congestion and excess sebum with the Clearing Face Mask. After washing it off, restore deep hydration with a hyaluronic acid serum and moisturiser. These two work together any time of the day, so feel free to use this combo in the day and/or night!
Exfoliating Acids (PM)
AHAs and BHA are what’s known as chemical exfoliants – dissolving the glue that binds dead skin cells together, so removing them is easier. Salicylic acid, an AHA, is an especially popular (and powerful) exfoliant that breaks down the gunk deep in those pores and clears them out.
Acids are amazing for anti-ageing, but they can also cause dryness. Consider applying a quenching HA product after using a hydroxy-acid face wash or serum. (As a rule, most leave-on acids are best used at night.)
Hyaluronic Acid (AM or PM)
Yes, we know we’ve repeated ourselves here – and no, it wasn’t an accident. There are certainly ingredients that don’t mesh well together, there’s no issue with applying a hyaluronic acid-based moisturiser over a plumping serum. If your skin is feeling extra parched – the signs typically include rough patches, skin flaking, and tightness – slather on a hyaluronic acid-based hydrating mask like our Intense Hydrating Mask, which will instantly deliver deep hydration and repair your skin barrier to prevent future moisture loss.
The Bottom Line
Don't miss out on this ultimate thirst-quenching ingredient! If you're already a hyaluronic acid guru and have tonnes of this ingredient in your skincare cabinet, read about the ways you may be misusing it (it's more common than it seems!).
Say bye to dry with the bestselling Healthy Hydration Kit. 💙
Written and edited by: Pip Jarvis & Celeste
