Hyaluronic Acid

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about hyaluronic acid. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

How to read this page

Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews.

Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY^® uses.

Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly.

1. General Description and Role

Claim: Hyaluronic acid (HA) occurs naturally throughout the body, with about half of it in the skin, where it holds water. Skin HA declines with age and sun exposure. Applied to the skin, HA is a humectant that attracts water, helping skin look plumper and smoother.

Verification: Supported. HA’s role in skin and its decline with age are well documented. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found HA and its salts safe for use in cosmetics.

Citations:

- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
  - What it shows: Review of HA’s role in skin and how it changes with aging.
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
  - What it shows: CIR safety review: safe for use in cosmetics.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: HA is a long chain of repeating sugar units. Cosmetic HA is made by bacterial fermentation, not from animal sources. Most ORY^® formulas use sodium hyaluronate, the stable salt form. Different molecular weights behave differently: larger molecules hydrate the surface, and smaller ones reach deeper layers.

Verification: Supported. Structure, fermentation production, and the role of molecular weight are documented.

Citations:

- Bukhari, S. N. A., Roswandi, N. L., Waqas, M., et al. (2018). Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 120(Pt B), 1682–1695. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30287361/
  - What it shows: Review of HA production, molecular weights, and cosmetic research.
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
  - What it shows: Describes HA and sodium hyaluronate and their production.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: Hyaluronic acid suits all seven ORY^® skin types. It adds lightweight hydration without oil for oily and acne-prone skin, deeper comfort for dry skin, and smoother-looking skin for mature skin.

Verification: Supported. The CIR found HA safe for use in cosmetics, and a controlled human study found HA creams improved hydration across molecular weights.

Citations:

- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/
  - What it shows: Human study: all HA creams improved hydration and elasticity compared with placebo.
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, HA is used in leave-in treatments and scalp serums to help hair feel softer and more moisturized and to help a dry scalp feel comfortable.

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no published clinical studies of HA on the hair fiber or scalp. Our haircare claims are based on HA’s water-binding ability. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat scalp conditions, or to grow hair or prevent hair loss.

Citations:

- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
  - What it shows: Explains HA’s water-binding properties.

5. Benefits

Claim: Hyaluronic acid hydrates skin, helps skin look plumper and smoother, and helps improve the look of skin elasticity. Lower-molecular-weight HA helps reduce the look of fine lines.

Verification: Supported. In a 60-day study of 76 women, creams with 0.1% HA at five molecular weights all improved hydration and elasticity compared with placebo. Only the 50 kDa and 130 kDa forms significantly reduced wrinkle depth. Plumping is hydration-based and fades if you stop using the product.

Citations:

- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/
  - What it shows: Controlled human study comparing five HA molecular weights.
- Bukhari, S. N. A., Roswandi, N. L., Waqas, M., et al. (2018). Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 120(Pt B), 1682–1695. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30287361/
  - What it shows: Review of clinical and preclinical cosmetic research.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: Hyaluronic acid is used in ORY^® Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics. It is not used in handmade soap.

Verification: Supported. The CIR reported HA use at up to 2% as a skin-conditioning agent. In soap, HA would rinse away within seconds, so ORY^® does not use it there.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY^® uses it
Skincare	0.1–2% sodium hyaluronate	Serums, toners, essences, moisturizers, masks, and eye creams.
Haircare	0.1–0.5% leave-in; 0.05–0.2% rinse-off	Leave-in conditioners, masks, curl creams, and scalp serums.
Handmade Soap	Not used	Rinses off with no benefit.
Cosmetics	0.1–1%	Hydrating primers, foundations, setting sprays, and lip balms.

Citations:

- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
  - What it shows: Reported use concentrations up to 2%.

7. Pros

Claim: Well tolerated, visible hydration from the first use, works with almost every other ingredient, vegan, and tunable by molecular weight.

Verification: Supported. Supported by the CIR review and clinical research.

Citations:

- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
  - What it shows: Safety and tolerance.
- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/
  - What it shows: Clinical hydration results.

8. Cons

Claim: Results are temporary, HA works best sealed with a moisturizer, water-based HA formulas need strong preservation, and some grades are costly.

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

- Temporary results. Plumping comes from hydration and fades without continued use.
- Best sealed in. Apply to damp skin and follow with a moisturizer, especially in dry climates.
- Preservation. Water-based HA formulas need robust preservation.
- Texture. High-molecular-weight HA can feel tacky above about 1%.
- Cost. Low-molecular-weight grades cost more.

Citations:

- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/
  - What it shows: Shows results depend on molecular weight and continued use.

9. Safety Notes

Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only.

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
  - What it shows: Safety data reviewed by the CIR.

10. Product-line notes

- ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
- Bukhari, S. N. A., Roswandi, N. L., Waqas, M., et al. (2018). Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 120(Pt B), 1682–1695. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30287361/
- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/

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Hyaluronic Acid

1. General Description and Role

2. Composition and Production

3. Skin Type Suitability

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

5. Benefits

6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines

7. Pros

8. Cons

9. Safety Notes

10. Product-line notes

11. References

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines