In short: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can bind large amounts of water. In skincare, it is distinguished by chain length: high-molecular-weight (long-chain) hyaluronic acid stays on the skin’s surface, where it forms a moisture-binding film. Low-molecular-weight (short-chain) hyaluronic acid consists of smaller molecules and can spread within the uppermost layer of the skin. Multi-weight formulas combine different chain lengths.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the human body. It is found in the skin, the connective tissue and the joint fluid, among other places. Chemically, it is a long sugar molecule, a so-called glycosaminoglycan. Its best-known property: it can bind many times its own weight in water. Over the years, the body’s own content in the skin decreases.
In skincare, hyaluronic acid is mostly produced biotechnologically today, by fermentation. It provides moisture and leaves the skin feeling smooth and plump.
At a glance
- High molecular weight (long-chain): stays on the surface, forms a moisture-binding film, smooths the skin’s feel instantly
- Low molecular weight (short-chain): smaller molecules, can spread within the uppermost layer of the skin
- Multi-weight: combines different chain lengths in one formula
- In the INCI: usually Sodium Hyaluronate; the chain length is not stated there
- How to use: on cleansed, slightly damp skin, followed by a cream
Low, high and multi-weight: the difference
Hyaluronic acid is made of many building blocks strung together. The longer the chain, the larger the molecule. This leads to different properties on the skin.
High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid
Long-chain, high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid is too large to penetrate the skin. It stays on the surface and forms a fine film there that binds moisture. Right after application, the skin feels smoother and more supple.
Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid
Short-chain, low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid is created when the long chains are split into smaller pieces. The smaller molecules can spread within the uppermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, and bind moisture there.
Multi-weight hyaluronic acid
Multi-weight formulas combine different chain lengths. This brings the properties of both types together in one product: the film on the surface and moisture in the uppermost layer of the skin.
How to spot hyaluronic acid in the INCI
- Sodium Hyaluronate: the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. It is the most common form in skincare because it dissolves well in water and is stable.
- Hyaluronic Acid: the acid itself.
- Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid or Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate: split, i.e. short-chain hyaluronic acid.
- Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer: cross-linked hyaluronic acid.
Important: the INCI name Sodium Hyaluronate says nothing about chain length. Whether a product contains short-chain, long-chain or multi-weight hyaluronic acid can only be learned from the manufacturer’s product description. Our guide How much water is in skincare? explains how to read the INCI as a whole.
How to use a hyaluronic acid serum
- Cleanse: start with a clean face.
- On slightly damp skin: a hyaluronic acid serum feels especially pleasant on slightly damp skin and spreads easily.
- A few drops: spread them over your face and neck and gently pat them in.
- Cream on top: a cream settles over it and helps hold the moisture in your skin.
- Sun protection during the day: hyaluronic acid doesn’t replace UV protection.
Hyaluronic acid combines well with other actives, such as vitamin C in the morning. Read more in our guide Vitamin C serum: morning or night?
Our Hyaluronic Serum
The Anti-Aging Hyaluronic Serum combines multi-weight hyaluronic acid with organic aloe vera juice. The aloe juice comes first in the INCI, and the serum is formulated with no added water. It also contains organic vine leaf extract, organic rambutan leaf extract and allantoin. The result is a plumping skin feel from the very first uses. Why aloe forms our base, you can read in Aloe instead of water.
Good to know: the serum contains natural essential oils of rosemary and cedarwood as well as parfum. The full INCI is on the product page.
As a set morning routine, the serum comes together with the Anti-Aging Day Cream in the Morning Routine N°1: serum first, cream second. You also choose a third product for free, and shipping within Germany is free.
Precious ingredients. Carefully combined. Since 1927.
Frequently asked questions
What does hyaluronic acid do for the skin?
Hyaluronic acid binds moisture. As a result, the skin feels plumper, smoother and more supple. Fine lines caused by dryness can look less visible as long as the skin is well hydrated.
Is low or high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid better?
Both have their own properties. High-molecular-weight forms a film on the surface, low-molecular-weight spreads within the uppermost layer of the skin. Multi-weight formulas combine both.
When should I use a hyaluronic acid serum, morning or night?
Both work. Many people use it in the morning under their day cream because it feels light and works well with make-up.
Can I combine hyaluronic acid with retinol?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid provides moisture and fits well into a routine with retinol. Our Retinol Serum Booster contains hyaluronic acid itself.
Is hyaluronic acid suitable for every skin type?
Hyaluronic acid is generally considered well tolerated and suits most skin types. If your skin is sensitive, pay attention to the other ingredients, such as fragrance.
As of October 2026. The full INCI is on every product page.