Hyaluronic acid and oily skin: what you should know

Hyaluronic acid and oily skin go together fine: hyaluronic acid is a water-binding sugar molecule, not a fat or an oil. In skincare it is often used in light, water-based gels and serums.

Still, there are plenty of myths. Below you will read what is fact and what is not, why oily skin can still feel tight, how cosmetic hyaluronic acid differs from a supplement, and how to read a supplement label.

Is hyaluronic acid suitable for oily skin? Myths and facts

Hyaluronic acid is found in products for every skin type. These are the most common misunderstandings.

Why can oily skin still feel dehydrated?

Oily skin produces a lot of sebum, the skin's own oil. Dehydration is about water, not oil. That is why skin can look shiny and still feel tight or rough.

Everyday things can draw water from the outer layer of your skin: harsh cleansers, long hot showers, central heating, cold wind and sun. People with oily skin often wash a lot or use drying products, which can add to that tight feeling. Do you have persistent spots, redness or irritation? Then ask your GP or a dermatologist.

How is hyaluronic acid used in skincare?

In cosmetics, hyaluronic acid is usually listed as sodium hyaluronate. A 2025 review in the journal Biomolecules describes how high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid mostly stays on the skin surface. There it forms a thin film that helps reduce water loss from the surface.

Low-molecular-weight forms, often called hydrolysed hyaluronic acid, have shorter chains. Many products combine several sizes. People with oily skin often choose a light gel or serum without added oils, but your own preference matters most.

Supplement and serum are two different things

What a cosmetic does on the skin surface tells you nothing about a supplement that you swallow. The two fall under different laws. Want the basics first? Read what hyaluronic acid is and where it is found.

What do EU rules say about hyaluronic acid supplements?

EFSA assessed a claim that hyaluronic acid protects the skin against dehydration. In 2012 it concluded that a cause-and-effect relationship had not been established, and claims about joints were not approved either. The EU Register of health claims therefore lists no authorised health claims for hyaluronic acid.

Research is ongoing. Until a claim is authorised, a supplement may not promise any effect of hyaluronic acid on your skin.

How do you read a hyaluronic acid supplement label?

Only nutrients with an authorised claim may be linked to an effect. For example: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. That claim is about vitamin C, not about hyaluronic acid.

Is the hyaluronic acid lemon shot vegan?

Yes. The Hyaluronic Acid shot from Liquid Nefer is vegan. It contains hyaluronic acid, silica and 80 mg of vitamin C (100% of the reference intake), with a lemon flavour.

The daily amount is 15 ml. Use the measuring cap and drink it neat or mixed into water, a smoothie or yoghurt. A 500 ml bottle holds about 33 daily amounts. After opening, keep it in the fridge and use it within 2 months.

A liquid shot is mainly about convenience: no tablets to swallow and nothing to mix. More questions? See our FAQ.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. This article is general information and not medical advice.