Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects: is Hyaluronic Acid Safe?

Considering that the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body decreases as we age, we try to compensate for it as much as we can through skincare, in order to slow down the appearance of wrinkles (who does not want to look young for as long as possible). However, if we think about the widespread use of hyaluronic acid in different forms and for different purposes, the question pops: Is hyaluronic acid safe? Can I be completely carefree when I use it? Or are there some things I need to pay attention to? What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid? Let’s find out.

What Are the Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is found in the largest amount in the eyes and joints. Therefore, it is not surprising that the FDA approved its use for some surgical procedures on the eyes, such as cataract removal. Besides, it has shown excellent effects in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid can be administered orally (as a supplement), by injection, or can be used topically as hyaluronic acid serums and moisturizers, where it acts as a humectant and promotes skin hydration.

As with any skincare ingredient (you may want to read about acetyl hexapeptide 8 here), we have to do our due diligence and learn about the products we are applying to our skin. When it comes to possible hyaluronic acid side effects, this ingredient has proven to be quite good and is considered to be generally safe.

1. Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects on Skin

In relation to its topical use, WebMD states that hyaluronic acid is most likely safe when used properly and rarely shows a tendency to cause allergic reactions, which is great news for all fans of this ingredient in skincare.

However, if you are still suspicious and need additional confirmation that a certain brand of hyaluronic acid serum won’t cause a mess on your skin, it is a good idea to do a patch test and check if there will be any unwanted reactions. In case everything is okay, you can happily continue to use the product with this ingredient without fear of any hyaluronic acid side effects.

Note: Keep in mind that hyaluronic acid side effects on skin, such as an allergic reaction occur only during the second contact with the allergen. Therefore, if you have never used a hyaluronic acid serum or similar product, we suggest that you do the patch test twice on the same part of the skin, to be completely sure that no allergic reactions will occur.

2. Hyaluronic Acid Supplements Side Effects

The use of hyaluronic acid in the form of supplements is still not widespread enough to know all the details about possible hyaluronic acid side effects, so this is still in question.

A study conducted between 2008 and 2015 showed that there were no hyaluronic acid supplements side effects with the use of dietary supplements to relieve knee pain in several different cases. However, do not think that this means that hyaluronic acid is completely safe because more research is needed on this topic to reach a final conclusion. If you are using hyaluronic acid supplements, pay attention to how you feel, and report any potential side effects to your doctor.

People who need to pay special attention to the use of dietary supplements of hyaluronic acid are people with cancer or a history of cancer. Why? There is evidence that oral use of hyaluronic acid can promote cell growth, so it is not recommended for people with a history of cancer, because it could theoretically also promote the growth of malignant cells. So if it is your case, it is best to completely avoid hyaluronic acid supplements, just to be sure.

Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid during Pregnancy?

To date, no more detailed information has been collected on the safety and the hyaluronic acid side effects in pregnant and lactating women. And you know what is recommended when there is not enough evidence about a certain product or ingredient: to avoid it completely.

Although hyaluronic acid is thought to be probably safe in pregnancy, that is just not enough to actually recommend its use, so it is best to eliminate it completely during this period, especially when it comes to hyaluronic acid serums, supplements, and injections. After you finish breastfeeding, you can slowly return to using this ingredient, without any fear of any hyaluronic acid side effects — or that it will cause something you do not want.

Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects: What to Do in Case of an Allergy?

Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in our body, so it is most often not recognized as a foreign substance. Although allergies as hyaluronic side effects are very rare, they can still occur in some people. As we mentioned, the best way to check if you are allergic to skincare products such as hyaluronic acid serums is to do a patch test and see how the skin reacts.

What also sometimes happens with injectable forms of hyaluronic acid is that people are not allergic to this active ingredient, but to lidocaine, which is used as a local anesthetic. If you are familiar with this, tell your doctor in time, before he or she starts applying the fillers.

In case an allergic reaction develops, we recommend that you stop using hyaluronic acid-based products immediately and contact your doctor as soon as possible to take the necessary measures.

Hyaluronic Acid Serums and Supplements You Might Want to Try

Here are some of the most-loved hyaluronic acid serums and supplements from trusted brands that you might want to check out:

1. Neutrogena Hydroboost Hydrating Serum

A hydrating hyaluronic acid serum that delivers higher hydration levels for skin, this hyaluronic acid serum from Neutrogena is oil-free and dye-free. As a dermatologist-recommended brand, it gives one less thing to worry about when it comes to hyaluronic acid side effects.

2. Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

Regarded as one of Allure’s 21 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums, According to Dermatologists, this hyaluronic acid serum formula from Kiehl’s has 12.5% vitamin C to brighten skin as it plumps.

3. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

For only $13.85, this hyaluronic acid from The Inkey List is suitable for all skin types and can hydrate and plump the skin in an instant.

4. NatureBell Hyaluronic Acid Supplements

Among Amazon’s Choice, this hyaluronic supplement from NatureBell has been 3rd party-tested for purity and clarity. It’s also free of GMO’s, gluten, dairy, sugar, soy, and tree nuts which should also be a consideration aside from hyaluronic acid side effects.

5. Amazing Formulas Hyaluronic Acid

Manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), you can be sure that this hyaluronic acid supplement from Amazing Formulas is subjected to the highest standards in the world. It’s also free of fish, eggs, fish, peanuts, milk, soy, tree nuts, and wheat so you don’t have to worry about how it will fit in your healthy eating plan.

What You Should Remember about Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that our body naturally produces and is found in the largest quantities in the eye and joints, where it acts as a lubricant. Since it is completely domestic in our body, hyaluronic acid side effects rarely develop, and hyaluronic acid is generally considered safe.

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However, that does not mean that you should not pay attention to possible reactions when using products based on this ingredient. You might also want to read our article about using Hyaluronic Acid with Retinol.

Now that you know what are the side effects of hyaluronic acid, you can take the necessary precautions when using products with this ingredient.

The hyaluronic acid side effects on skin can be avoided with patch testing, while those with certain medical conditions should be extra careful to prevent any hyaluronic acid supplements side effects to their health.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of cancer, we definitely recommend that you avoid this ingredient to make sure that some unforeseen situations do not occur. Enjoy hyaluronic acid, but always listen to your body. Let it be your best guide.

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