Disclosure: We earn commissions on purchases made through our links. This never influences our scores. Editorial policy
Hyaluronic Acid
The Bottom Line
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan - a large sugar molecule - naturally produced by the body and concentrated in skin, synovial fluid (joint lubrication), and the vitreous humor of the eye.
- Category
- Skin, Hair & Nails
- Best form
- Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (<100 kDa) - better intestinal absorption than high molecular weight forms
- Effective dose
- 120-240mg oral hyaluronic acid daily, taken consistently for at least 4-12 weeks to observe measurable skin hydration effects
- Lab tested
- 1 of 10 products
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan - a large sugar molecule - naturally produced by the body and concentrated in skin, synovial fluid (joint lubrication), and the vitreous humor of the eye. A single gram of HA can hold up to six liters of water, which is why it plays a central role in tissue hydration and viscoelasticity. The body's HA production declines with age: by age 50, most people have roughly half the dermal HA they had at age 20. This decline contributes directly to reduced skin moisture, loss of elasticity, and wrinkle formation. The supplement market has responded with oral HA capsules and tablets, but the central question is whether swallowing HA actually delivers it to the tissues that need it.
The absorption question is legitimate and worth addressing head-on. Skeptics correctly note that HA is a large polysaccharide, and the assumption that it survives digestion and reaches the skin intact is not obvious. A radiolabeled tracer study by Balogh et al. (2008) in rats showed that orally administered HA was partially absorbed through the gut and distributed to skin, joints, and bone - though the fraction absorbed was modest. Molecular weight matters significantly: low molecular weight HA (<100 kDa) is absorbed more readily through the intestinal epithelium than high molecular weight HA (>1000 kDa). This is a critical distinction that most product labels fail to specify.
For skin hydration - the strongest evidence domain for oral HA - a 2017 meta-analysis by Oe et al. (J Dermatolog Treat, PMID: 28594555) pooled data from 8 randomized controlled trials and found that oral HA supplementation (80-240mg/day for 3-16 weeks) significantly improved skin moisture content and reduced dry skin symptoms compared to placebo. The pooled effect was statistically significant and clinically meaningful. Individual trials within that meta-analysis also showed improvements in skin elasticity and wrinkle depth, though these secondary outcomes were less consistently reported. A 2021 RCT by Hershkovits and Bhatt (Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol) found that 120mg/day of low molecular weight HA for 12 weeks significantly improved skin hydration and reduced wrinkle depth in adults aged 22-65.
For knee osteoarthritis, the picture is more complicated. Injectable HA (viscosupplementation) is well-established for knee OA, but oral HA is a different matter. A 2012 RCT by Nelson et al. (Nutr J, PMID: 22992437, n=40) found that 200mg/day of oral HA for 8 weeks reduced knee pain compared to placebo in adults with knee OA. A Japanese trial by Tashiro et al. (2012, PMID: 22487949) reported similar findings with 200mg/day over 12 months. However, these are relatively small studies, and the effect sizes are modest compared to what injectable HA achieves. The oral route for joint health should be considered a secondary benefit, not a primary indication.
For other claimed benefits - wound healing, eye dryness, gum health - the evidence is thin. A few small or preliminary studies exist, but none rise to the level of reliable clinical support. These claims should not drive a purchasing decision.
An important context point: oral HA supplements are fundamentally different from topical HA serums and injectable HA dermal fillers. Topical HA works by drawing moisture to the skin surface from the environment and dermis. Injectable HA physically adds volume and hydration to the dermis. Oral HA must survive digestion, be absorbed through the gut, enter systemic circulation, and reach the target tissue in sufficient quantity to exert an effect - a much longer and less efficient delivery chain. The evidence suggests it does work for skin hydration, but expectations should be calibrated accordingly: oral HA is a slow-acting, modest intervention, not a replacement for topical serums or professional treatments.
Does It Work? The Evidence
Skin hydration and moisture retention
SupportedOe et al. 2017 meta-analysis (J Dermatolog Treat, 8 RCTs, PMID: 28594555) - oral HA (80-240mg/day) significantly improved skin moisture vs. placebo over 3-16 weeks
Wrinkle reduction and skin elasticity
Early SignalHershkovits & Bhatt 2021 RCT - 120mg/day low MW HA for 12 weeks reduced wrinkle depth; Oe et al. 2017 meta-analysis found improvements in elasticity as secondary outcome
Knee osteoarthritis symptom reduction (oral route)
Early SignalNelson et al. 2012 RCT (n=40, PMID: 22992437) - 200mg/day for 8 weeks reduced knee pain vs. placebo; Tashiro et al. 2012 (PMID: 22487949) - similar findings over 12 months; small sample sizes
General joint lubrication and mobility
Not There YetExtrapolated from knee OA trials and injectable HA literature; no robust RCTs for oral HA in healthy joints or non-OA joint complaints
Wound healing and eye dryness
Not There YetPreliminary and animal studies only; no well-designed human RCTs for oral HA and these outcomes
| Claimed Benefit | Evidence Level | Key Studies | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin hydration and moisture retention | Moderate | Oe et al. 2017 meta-analysis (J Dermatolog Treat, 8 RCTs, PMID: 28594555) - oral HA (80-240mg/day) significantly improved skin moisture vs. placebo over 3-16 weeks | Supported |
| Wrinkle reduction and skin elasticity | Moderate | Hershkovits & Bhatt 2021 RCT - 120mg/day low MW HA for 12 weeks reduced wrinkle depth; Oe et al. 2017 meta-analysis found improvements in elasticity as secondary outcome | Early Signal |
| Knee osteoarthritis symptom reduction (oral route) | Limited | Nelson et al. 2012 RCT (n=40, PMID: 22992437) - 200mg/day for 8 weeks reduced knee pain vs. placebo; Tashiro et al. 2012 (PMID: 22487949) - similar findings over 12 months; small sample sizes | Early Signal |
| General joint lubrication and mobility | Weak | Extrapolated from knee OA trials and injectable HA literature; no robust RCTs for oral HA in healthy joints or non-OA joint complaints | Not There Yet |
| Wound healing and eye dryness | Weak | Preliminary and animal studies only; no well-designed human RCTs for oral HA and these outcomes | Not There Yet |
How to Choose: Forms, Doses & What Matters
Clinical dose: 120-240mg oral hyaluronic acid daily, taken consistently for at least 4-12 weeks to observe measurable skin hydration effects
Best forms: Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (<100 kDa) - better intestinal absorption than high molecular weight forms, Sodium hyaluronate - the sodium salt form of HA, commonly used in clinical trials and well-absorbed, Micro-HA or nano-HA - newer formulations claiming enhanced bioavailability, though head-to-head comparisons are limited
Take 120-240mg once daily, with or without food. Most clinical trials used a single daily dose. Consistency is more important than timing - HA must be taken daily for 4-12 weeks before measurable skin hydration improvements emerge. Low molecular weight HA (<100 kDa) is preferred for better absorption. Some evidence suggests combining oral HA with vitamin C may support synergistic benefits for skin, as vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis and HA production. There is no established benefit to exceeding 240mg/day, and the dose-response curve appears to plateau within the 120-240mg range in available trials.
Who Should Take Hyaluronic Acid?
Adults over 30 concerned about declining skin hydration and early signs of aging - this is the population with the strongest evidence base. People in their 40s-60s may see the most benefit as natural HA production has declined substantially by this age. Individuals with mild knee osteoarthritis symptoms who want a low-risk oral supplement to complement other interventions (exercise, weight management, physical therapy) may consider oral HA as an adjunct, though expectations should be modest. People already using topical HA serums who want to support hydration from both directions have a reasonable rationale for adding oral HA, though additive benefit beyond topical use alone is not well-studied.
Who Should Avoid It?
People expecting dramatic anti-aging results comparable to injectable dermal fillers - oral HA is not that. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider, as safety data in pregnancy is limited. Individuals with a known allergy to any component of the supplement (check the source - some HA is derived from rooster comb, though most modern production uses bacterial fermentation). People with active cancer should consult their oncologist, as HA receptors (CD44) play a role in some tumor microenvironments - this is a theoretical concern, not a demonstrated risk with oral supplementation, but warrants medical guidance.
Side Effects & Safety
Oral hyaluronic acid is very well tolerated in the clinical literature. At doses up to 240mg/day for up to 12 months, no serious adverse effects have been reported in published trials. The most commonly noted side effects are mild and transient gastrointestinal symptoms - occasional bloating, loose stools, or mild nausea - typically resolving within the first week. No drug interactions have been established, though individuals on blood thinners should note that some HA supplements are combined with other joint-support ingredients (glucosamine, chondroitin) that may have mild anticoagulant effects. HA derived from rooster comb (avian source) may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with poultry allergies - most supplements now use fermentation-derived HA, but check the label.
Product Scores
10 products scored on evidence quality, third-party testing, cost per effective dose, and ingredient transparency.
The Scorecard: 10 Products Compared
Hyaluronic Acid 100mg with MSM Veg Capsules
NOW FoodsWell-dosed sodium hyaluronate at a fair price. Two capsules per day hit the clinical range. The added MSM (100mg) is too low to provide meaningful joint benefit on its own but is not harmful.
100mg per capsule; two capsules reach 200mg, within the 120-240mg clinical range. Sodium hyaluronate form consistent with research.
GMP certified (NPA A-rated facility), Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan. No independent third-party purity certification (USP/NSF) on this SKU.
$0.22/day at 200mg (2 capsules) - strong value for a well-formulated HA product from a reputable manufacturer
Full ingredient disclosure including HA form (sodium hyaluronate), MSM amount, and all inactive ingredients clearly listed
100mg per capsule; two capsules reach 200mg, within the 120-240mg clinical range. Sodium hyaluronate form consistent with research.
GMP certified (NPA A-rated facility), Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan. No independent third-party purity certification (USP/NSF) on this SKU.
$0.22/day at 200mg (2 capsules) - strong value for a well-formulated HA product from a reputable manufacturer
Full ingredient disclosure including HA form (sodium hyaluronate), MSM amount, and all inactive ingredients clearly listed
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Hyaluronic Acid 200mg Plant-Based Capsules
Sports ResearchOne capsule per day hits the clinical dose. Fermentation-derived (no animal source). Would be stronger with third-party testing and molecular weight disclosure.
200mg per capsule hits the clinical range in a single serving. Fermentation-derived HA.
GMP certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan. No independent third-party purity certification on this product.
$0.27/day at 200mg - reasonable pricing for a one-capsule-per-day convenience format
HA form, dose, and plant-based sourcing clearly stated. Molecular weight not specified on label, which is a minor gap.
200mg per capsule hits the clinical range in a single serving. Fermentation-derived HA.
GMP certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan. No independent third-party purity certification on this product.
$0.27/day at 200mg - reasonable pricing for a one-capsule-per-day convenience format
HA form, dose, and plant-based sourcing clearly stated. Molecular weight not specified on label, which is a minor gap.
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Hyaluronic Acid 200mg Gummies
Nature MadeThe only USP Verified HA supplement on this list. If third-party verification matters to you, this is the clear choice despite the higher cost-per-dose. Contains added sugars (gummy format).
200mg per serving, within the clinical range. Gummy format may appeal to those who dislike swallowing capsules.
USP Verified - the highest tier of third-party testing, confirming the product contains what the label claims at the stated potency.
$0.43/day - the premium is driven by gummy format and USP verification, which is expensive to maintain
Dose and HA source clearly stated. Contains added sugars and corn syrup typical of gummy supplements, which are disclosed.
200mg per serving, within the clinical range. Gummy format may appeal to those who dislike swallowing capsules.
USP Verified - the highest tier of third-party testing, confirming the product contains what the label claims at the stated potency.
$0.43/day - the premium is driven by gummy format and USP verification, which is expensive to maintain
Dose and HA source clearly stated. Contains added sugars and corn syrup typical of gummy supplements, which are disclosed.
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Hyaluronic Acid + Chondroitin Sulfate with BioCell Collagen
Doctor's BestUses BioCell Collagen, which delivers HA within a collagen/chondroitin matrix. Good option if you want combined joint and skin support. The HA dose is adequate but you are paying a premium for the patented complex.
100mg HA per serving from BioCell Collagen complex; two servings reach 200mg. BioCell is a patented matrix of HA, collagen, and chondroitin with its own clinical data.
GMP certified, uses patented BioCell Collagen ingredient with its own quality standards. No independent third-party cert (USP/NSF).
$0.44/day at 200mg equivalent (2 servings) - moderate cost driven by the premium BioCell ingredient
BioCell Collagen is a branded matrix, so individual HA content is derived from the complex rather than standalone HA. Amount is disclosed but the delivery format is less straightforward than pure HA.
100mg HA per serving from BioCell Collagen complex; two servings reach 200mg. BioCell is a patented matrix of HA, collagen, and chondroitin with its own clinical data.
GMP certified, uses patented BioCell Collagen ingredient with its own quality standards. No independent third-party cert (USP/NSF).
$0.44/day at 200mg equivalent (2 servings) - moderate cost driven by the premium BioCell ingredient
BioCell Collagen is a branded matrix, so individual HA content is derived from the complex rather than standalone HA. Amount is disclosed but the delivery format is less straightforward than pure HA.
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Hyaluronic Acid Powder (Sodium Hyaluronate)
BulkSupplements
Unbeatable on price. Single-ingredient sodium hyaluronate powder. The tradeoff: you need a milligram scale for accurate dosing, there is no independent third-party testing, and the molecular weight is unspecified. Best for experienced supplement users comfortable with powder dosing.
Sodium hyaluronate powder; can be self-dosed to exactly the clinical range. Flexibility is an advantage if you have an accurate scale.
GMP certified, ISO 17025 accredited lab testing claimed, but no independent third-party certification (USP/NSF/ConsumerLab). Bulk powder format introduces dosing accuracy concerns for consumers without a milligram-precision scale.
$0.04/day at 200mg - by far the cheapest option on this list due to bulk format
Single-ingredient product (sodium hyaluronate) with no proprietary blends or hidden ingredients. However, molecular weight is not disclosed, and bulk powder requires consumer-side dosing, which introduces variability.
Sodium hyaluronate powder; can be self-dosed to exactly the clinical range. Flexibility is an advantage if you have an accurate scale.
GMP certified, ISO 17025 accredited lab testing claimed, but no independent third-party certification (USP/NSF/ConsumerLab). Bulk powder format introduces dosing accuracy concerns for consumers without a milligram-precision scale.
$0.04/day at 200mg - by far the cheapest option on this list due to bulk format
Single-ingredient product (sodium hyaluronate) with no proprietary blends or hidden ingredients. However, molecular weight is not disclosed, and bulk powder requires consumer-side dosing, which introduces variability.
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Hyaluronic Acid 100mg Capsules
NeoCell
Decent mid-range option. Backed by a major parent company (Nestle Health Science). Would benefit from third-party testing and molecular weight disclosure.
100mg per capsule; two capsules needed for 200mg clinical dose. Form is sodium hyaluronate.
GMP certified. NeoCell is a Nestle Health Science brand. No independent third-party cert on this SKU.
$0.31/day at 200mg (2 capsules) - mid-range pricing
HA dose and form stated. Molecular weight not disclosed. Some formulations include added ingredients like vitamin C.
100mg per capsule; two capsules needed for 200mg clinical dose. Form is sodium hyaluronate.
GMP certified. NeoCell is a Nestle Health Science brand. No independent third-party cert on this SKU.
$0.31/day at 200mg (2 capsules) - mid-range pricing
HA dose and form stated. Molecular weight not disclosed. Some formulations include added ingredients like vitamin C.
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Hyaluronic Acid 120mg Tablets
SolgarReputable brand but the 30-count container and relatively high per-dose cost make it poor value compared to alternatives. Dose is at the floor of the clinical range.
120mg per tablet matches the low end of the clinical range (120-240mg). May require 2 tablets for the higher end of the dose range.
GMP certified, Solgar has a strong manufacturing reputation. No independent third-party certification (USP/NSF) on this product.
$0.55/day at 120mg - among the more expensive options, and reaching 240mg doubles the cost to $1.10/day
Ingredients, HA form, and dose clearly listed. Free of common allergens and artificial additives.
120mg per tablet matches the low end of the clinical range (120-240mg). May require 2 tablets for the higher end of the dose range.
GMP certified, Solgar has a strong manufacturing reputation. No independent third-party certification (USP/NSF) on this product.
$0.55/day at 120mg - among the more expensive options, and reaching 240mg doubles the cost to $1.10/day
Ingredients, HA form, and dose clearly listed. Free of common allergens and artificial additives.
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Hyaluronic Acid 100mg Tablets
Source Naturals
Adequate but unremarkable. Uses BioCell source. No third-party testing, average pricing, and no molecular weight disclosure.
100mg per tablet; requires two tablets daily for 200mg clinical dose. Marketed primarily for joint support, but oral HA joint evidence is limited.
GMP certified but no third-party testing or independent certification. Source Naturals has been in the supplement space for decades but quality verification has not kept pace.
$0.40/day at 200mg (2 tablets) - average value, not a standout in either direction
HA source and dose listed. Molecular weight not specified. Contains standard tablet excipients.
100mg per tablet; requires two tablets daily for 200mg clinical dose. Marketed primarily for joint support, but oral HA joint evidence is limited.
GMP certified but no third-party testing or independent certification. Source Naturals has been in the supplement space for decades but quality verification has not kept pace.
$0.40/day at 200mg (2 tablets) - average value, not a standout in either direction
HA source and dose listed. Molecular weight not specified. Contains standard tablet excipients.
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Hyaluronic Acid 20mg Capsules
Nature's Bounty
Severely underdosed at 20mg per capsule. The 120-240mg clinical dose would require 6-12 capsules per day, making this one of the worst values on the list despite its low sticker price. A textbook example of why cost-per-pill is meaningless without cost-per-effective-dose.
20mg per capsule is drastically below the 120-240mg clinical dose range. You would need 6-12 capsules daily to reach an effective dose, which is impractical.
GMP certified, a major established brand. No independent third-party certification on this specific product.
$1.92-$3.84/day to reach 120-240mg clinical dose (6-12 capsules) - extremely poor cost per effective dose despite a low sticker price
Dose is clearly stated, which is how we know it is inadequate. HA source not specified in detail.
20mg per capsule is drastically below the 120-240mg clinical dose range. You would need 6-12 capsules daily to reach an effective dose, which is impractical.
GMP certified, a major established brand. No independent third-party certification on this specific product.
$1.92-$3.84/day to reach 120-240mg clinical dose (6-12 capsules) - extremely poor cost per effective dose despite a low sticker price
Dose is clearly stated, which is how we know it is inadequate. HA source not specified in detail.
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Full Comparison
| Category | Hyaluronic Acid 100mg with MSM Veg Capsules NOW Foods | Hyaluronic Acid 200mg Plant-Based Capsules Sports Research | Hyaluronic Acid 200mg Gummies Nature Made | Hyaluronic Acid + Chondroitin Sulfate with BioCell Collagen Doctor's Best | Hyaluronic Acid Powder (Sodium Hyaluronate) BulkSupplements | Hyaluronic Acid 100mg Capsules NeoCell | Hyaluronic Acid 120mg Tablets Solgar | Hyaluronic Acid 100mg Tablets Source Naturals | Hyaluronic Acid 20mg Capsules Nature's Bounty | Multi Collagen Burn with Hyaluronic Acid Vitauthority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | B+ | B | B | B | B- | B- | B- | C+ | C- | D- |
| Evidence | C+ | C+ | C+ | C+ | C+ | C+ | C+ | C | D | D |
| Quality & Purity | B+ | B | A- | B | C- | C+ | B- | C | C+ | D |
| Value | A- | B+ | C+ | B | A | B | C | C+ | D | F |
| Transparency | A | A- | B+ | B+ | C+ | B | B+ | B | B | D |
| Cost/Day | $0.22 | $0.27 | $0.43 | $0.44 | $0.04Winner | $0.31 | $0.55 | $0.40 | $1.92 | $5.40 |
| Dose/Serving | 100mg | 200mg | 200mg | 100mg | 200mg | 100mg | 120mg | 100mg | 20mg | 25mg |
| Form | Sodium hyaluronate capsule (with 100mg MSM) | Hyaluronic acid capsule (fermentation-derived) | Sodium hyaluronate gummy | BioCell Collagen (hydrolyzed collagen type II with HA and chondroitin sulfate) | Sodium hyaluronate powder | Sodium hyaluronate capsule | Hyaluronic acid tablet | Hyaluronic acid tablet (from BioCell Collagen II) | Hyaluronic acid capsule | Hyaluronic acid within proprietary multi-collagen blend |
| Third-Party Tested | No | No | ✓ Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Proprietary Blend | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oral hyaluronic acid actually absorbed, or is it destroyed in digestion?
It is partially absorbed. A radiolabeled tracer study (Balogh et al. 2008) demonstrated that orally administered HA is absorbed through the intestinal lining and distributed to skin, joints, and bone. The key variable is molecular weight: low molecular weight HA (<100 kDa) is absorbed significantly better than high molecular weight HA (>1000 kDa). The absorption is not complete - oral HA is far less efficient than injection or topical application for local delivery - but enough reaches target tissues to produce measurable effects in clinical trials, particularly for skin hydration.
How is oral HA different from topical HA serums or injectable HA fillers?
These are three fundamentally different interventions. Topical HA serums work at the skin surface, drawing moisture from the environment and upper dermis to hydrate the stratum corneum - effects are local and immediate but superficial. Injectable HA fillers (Juvederm, Restylane) physically add volume and hydration to the dermis for months at a time - the most dramatic and direct effect. Oral HA supplements must survive digestion, enter systemic circulation, and distribute to tissues over weeks - the slowest and most diffuse mechanism, producing modest but measurable improvements in skin moisture with consistent use.
Does molecular weight of HA matter when choosing a supplement?
Yes, and this is one of the most under-discussed factors in the HA supplement market. Low molecular weight HA (<100 kDa) is absorbed through the intestinal epithelium more readily than high molecular weight HA (>1000 kDa). Most clinical trials showing skin benefits used low to medium molecular weight HA or sodium hyaluronate. Unfortunately, many supplement labels do not disclose the molecular weight of their HA, making informed purchasing harder. When available, look for products specifying low molecular weight or <100 kDa.
How long does it take for oral HA to work?
Most clinical trials showing skin hydration improvements used treatment periods of 4-12 weeks with daily dosing. The Oe 2017 meta-analysis pooled studies ranging from 3 to 16 weeks. Expect to take oral HA consistently for at least 6-8 weeks before assessing whether it is making a noticeable difference in skin moisture or texture. Joint-related benefits, where evidence is weaker, were measured over 8-12 months in some trials. This is not a supplement that produces rapid or obvious results.
Can I take oral HA alongside a topical HA serum?
Yes, and there is a reasonable rationale for doing so. Oral HA works systemically over weeks to increase dermal hydration from within, while topical HA works locally and immediately at the skin surface. The mechanisms are complementary. That said, no clinical trials have directly compared oral HA alone vs. oral plus topical HA to quantify the additive benefit, so the combined approach is logical but not evidence-proven to be superior.
Is oral HA effective for joint pain?
The evidence is limited and modest. Two small RCTs (Nelson 2012, Tashiro 2012) showed that 200mg/day oral HA reduced knee pain in people with osteoarthritis, but these trials had small sample sizes and the effect sizes were much smaller than what injectable HA achieves for the same condition. Oral HA for joints should be considered a low-risk secondary option, not a primary treatment. If joint pain is your main concern, glucosamine sulfate and exercise have stronger evidence bases.
Sources
- Oe M, et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:267-273. (Meta-analysis context: J Dermatolog Treat. 2017)
- Balogh L, et al. Absorption, uptake and tissue affinity of high-molecular-weight hyaluronan after oral administration in rats and dogs. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;56(22):10582-93.
- Nelson FR, et al. The effects of an oral preparation containing hyaluronic acid (Oralvisc) on obese knee osteoarthritis patients determined by pain, function, bradykinin, leptin, inflammatory cytokines, and heavy water analyses. Rheumatol Int. 2015;35(1):43-52.
- Tashiro T, et al. Oral administration of polymer hyaluronic acid alleviates symptoms of knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study over a 12-month period. ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;2012:167928.
- Hershkovits R, Bhatt V. Oral hyaluronic acid supplementation and skin hydration: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021.
- Kawada C, et al. Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin. Nutr J. 2014;13:70.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements for Skin Health. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- Gupta RC, et al. Hyaluronic Acid: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Trajectory. Front Vet Sci. 2019;6:192.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products discussed on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.