What is Oral hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that holds water in skin and joints. The trial product was 120 mg a day of oral hyaluronan.
What it does for skin
At week 12, facial hydration (corneometer) was 54.9 with hyaluronan versus 48.8 with placebo (between-group p = 0.02).
Facial water loss (TEWL) at week 12 was 10.8 with hyaluronan versus 13.3 with placebo (p = 0.009).
Absolute wrinkle scores at week 12 did not differ significantly between groups. The percentage improvement was significantly greater with hyaluronan at 8 weeks (p = 0.02) and 12 weeks (p = 0.01).
What the research shows
41 people were enrolled and 40 were analysed, 20 per group.
The study was funded by Kewpie Corporation. Three of the authors are Kewpie employees, and the product is supplied by Kewpie.
Forms, amounts and limits
The trial used 120 mg a day for 12 weeks, with a dextrin capsule as placebo.
Safety
Check with a clinician before use if you are pregnant or have a medical condition. The trial summary we reviewed does not give long-term safety data.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medicines.
Questions
Is oral or topical hyaluronic acid better?
They are different products. The trial above tested capsules; topical products act on the skin surface.
Sources
General information, not medical advice. Vanu Health does not sell this supplement. Read our terms.