Hyaluronic Acid for Wrinkle Reduction
Oral hyaluronic acid improves hydration with weak wrinkle-specific evidence.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 120-240mg/day
- Expected timeframe
- 8-12 weeks
Protocol
- form
- Not applicable
- duration
- Not applicable
- co factor
- Evidence is insufficient for wrinkle reduction specifically. The oral HA trials that show reliable results measured skin hydration, not wrinkles. A minority also reported reduced wrinkle depth at 120-240 mg/day over 8-12 weeks, but these findings are inconsistent, effect sizes are small, wrinkle measurement methods vary widely between studies, and several trials are manufacturer-funded with small samples. Part of any apparent improvement is likely hydration plumping the skin surface temporarily rather than structural change to the dermis. For comparison, topical retinoids and injectable HA fillers have far stronger evidence, and injectable fillers work by physically occupying space - a mechanism oral supplementation cannot reproduce.
- titration
- Not applicable
- starting dose
- Not applicable as an established treatment for wrinkles
Evidence
What the studies say
Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period
Oe M, Sakai S, Yoshida H +4 more
Both molecular weights significantly reduced wrinkle depth and improved skin lustre and suppleness compared with placebo.
Ingestion of an oral hyaluronan solution improves skin hydration, wrinkle reduction, elasticity, and skin roughness: results of a clinical study
Gollner I, Voss W, von Hehn U +1 more
Skin hydration, elasticity and roughness improved significantly during supplementation.
Safety
Caveats
Small, mostly industry-funded trials. Topical and injectable routes have better evidence.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.