Is Hyaluronic Acid Comedogenic? What You Need to Know

Hyaluronic acid has become one of the most popular skincare ingredients in recent years. You will find it in serums, moisturizers, sheet masks, and even makeup. But if you have acne-prone or oily skin, you might be wondering: is hyaluronic acid comedogenic? Will it clog your pores and cause breakouts?

The short answer is no. Hyaluronic acid is not comedogenic and is considered safe for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. But there is more to the story, and understanding how this ingredient works will help you use it effectively.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Despite its name, hyaluronic acid is not an exfoliating acid like salicylic or glycolic acid. It is actually a humectant, a type of ingredient that attracts and holds water.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in your body. It is found in your skin, connective tissues, and eyes. In fact, about 50% of your body's total hyaluronic acid is located in your skin, where it helps maintain moisture, elasticity, and plumpness.

As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid production decreases, which is one reason why skin becomes drier and develops fine lines. Topical hyaluronic acid products aim to supplement what your skin loses over time.

How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work?

Hyaluronic acid is famous for its water-holding capacity. A single gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to 6 liters of water. When applied to the skin, it draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the surface.

This makes it particularly effective for:

Plumping fine lines and wrinkles
Improving skin texture
Creating a dewy, hydrated appearance
Supporting the skin barrier

Hyaluronic Acid Comedogenic Rating

The comedogenic scale rates ingredients from 0 to 5 based on their likelihood to clog pores:

Rating	Meaning
0	Will not clog pores
1	Very low likelihood
2	Moderately low likelihood
3	Moderate likelihood
4	Fairly high likelihood
5	High likelihood of clogging pores

Hyaluronic acid has a comedogenic rating of 0.

This means it has virtually no chance of clogging your pores. It is one of the safest ingredients you can use if you are concerned about breakouts.

Why Hyaluronic Acid Does Not Clog Pores

Several factors make hyaluronic acid non-comedogenic:

Water-soluble: It dissolves in water rather than oil, so it does not contribute to the oily buildup that clogs pores.
Large molecular size: Standard hyaluronic acid molecules are too large to penetrate deep into pores where blockages occur.
No oil content: Unlike ingredients like coconut oil or cocoa butter, hyaluronic acid contains no oils or fatty acids.
Natural to skin: Since it is already present in your skin, your body recognizes it and does not react negatively.

Different Types of Hyaluronic Acid

Not all hyaluronic acid is the same. The molecular weight affects how it penetrates and benefits your skin:

Type	Molecular Weight	Benefits	Penetration
High molecular weight	>1,000 kDa	Surface hydration, film-forming	Stays on surface
Medium molecular weight	100-1,000 kDa	Balanced hydration	Partial penetration
Low molecular weight	<100 kDa	Deep hydration, plumping	Penetrates deeper
Sodium hyaluronate	Varies	Better stability, absorption	Depends on weight

Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It has a smaller molecular size and penetrates the skin more easily. Both forms are non-comedogenic.

Many modern products use a combination of molecular weights to provide both surface and deeper hydration.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin

If you have acne-prone skin, hyaluronic acid can actually help your skin in several ways:

1. Hydration Without Heaviness

Many acne-prone individuals avoid moisturizers because they fear clogging their pores. This often leads to dehydrated skin, which can actually worsen acne. Hyaluronic acid provides lightweight hydration without the heavy, occlusive feel of oil-based moisturizers.

2. Supports Acne Treatment

Acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids can be drying and irritating. Hyaluronic acid helps counteract this dryness without interfering with the treatment's effectiveness.

3. Reduces Inflammation Appearance

Well-hydrated skin appears healthier and can help reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation associated with acne.

4. Improves Skin Barrier

A healthy skin barrier is essential for acne-prone skin. Hyaluronic acid supports barrier function by maintaining optimal hydration levels.

5. Non-Irritating

Unlike many active ingredients, hyaluronic acid rarely causes irritation or sensitivity, making it suitable for use alongside acne treatments.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid in Your Routine

To get the most benefit from hyaluronic acid, follow these application tips:

Best Practices

Apply to damp skin: Since hyaluronic acid attracts water, apply it to slightly wet skin after cleansing. This gives it moisture to draw from.
Layer correctly: Apply hyaluronic acid serums before heavier creams and oils. The general rule is thinnest to thickest consistency.
Follow with moisturizer: Seal in the hyaluronic acid with a moisturizer to prevent the water from evaporating, especially in dry climates.
Use twice daily: Hyaluronic acid is gentle enough for morning and evening use.

Sample Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Morning:

Gentle cleanser
Hyaluronic acid serum (on damp skin)
Lightweight moisturizer
Sunscreen

Evening:

Gentle cleanser
Acne treatment (if using)
Wait 5-10 minutes
Hyaluronic acid serum
Moisturizer

Can Hyaluronic Acid Cause Breakouts?

While hyaluronic acid itself is non-comedogenic, breakouts can sometimes occur when using hyaluronic acid products. Here is why:

Other Ingredients in the Formula

The hyaluronic acid serum or cream you are using contains other ingredients. Some of these may be comedogenic. Common culprits include:

Coconut derivatives
Certain silicones
Heavy emollients
Fragrance (can cause irritation)

Always check the full ingredient list, not just the featured ingredient.

Application Mistakes

Using too much product: More is not always better. A thin layer is sufficient.
Not cleansing properly first: Applying to dirty skin can trap bacteria.
Using expired products: Expired products can harbor bacteria and cause breakouts.

Climate Considerations

In very dry climates with low humidity, hyaluronic acid may draw moisture from deeper skin layers instead of the air, potentially causing dryness. Always follow with a moisturizer to seal in hydration.

Hyaluronic Acid vs. Other Hydrating Ingredients

How does hyaluronic acid compare to other hydrating ingredients?

Ingredient	Comedogenic Rating	Type	Best For
Hyaluronic acid	0	Humectant	All skin types
Glycerin	0	Humectant	All skin types
Squalane	0-1	Emollient	Dry, dehydrated skin
Niacinamide	0	Active	Oily, acne-prone skin
Aloe vera	0	Humectant	Sensitive, irritated skin
Shea butter	0-2	Occlusive	Dry skin
Coconut oil	4	Occlusive	Avoid for acne-prone

Hyaluronic acid pairs well with most of these ingredients and can be layered with glycerin and niacinamide for enhanced benefits.

Choosing the Right Hyaluronic Acid Product

When shopping for a hyaluronic acid product, consider:

For Acne-Prone Skin, Look For:

Oil-free formulas: Avoid products with added oils if you are breakout-prone.
Fragrance-free: Fragrance can irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Non-comedogenic label: Extra assurance the formula has been tested.
Multiple molecular weights: For comprehensive hydration.
Minimal ingredient list: Fewer ingredients mean fewer potential irritants.

Ingredients to Pair With:

Niacinamide (oil control, pore minimizing)
Vitamin C (brightening)
Peptides (anti-aging)
Centella asiatica (soothing)

Ingredients to Be Cautious Of:

Heavy oils (if acne-prone)
Coconut derivatives
Fragrance
Alcohol denat (can be drying)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?

Yes, hyaluronic acid is gentle enough for twice-daily use. It does not cause irritation or sensitization with regular use.

Should I use hyaluronic acid if I have oily skin?

Absolutely. Hyaluronic acid is water-based and provides hydration without adding oil. It can actually help balance oily skin by providing the moisture it needs, potentially reducing excess oil production.

Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol?

Yes, this is an excellent combination. Hyaluronic acid can help counteract the dryness and irritation that retinol sometimes causes. Apply hyaluronic acid after retinol has absorbed.

Is hyaluronic acid safe for fungal acne?

Yes, hyaluronic acid is fungal acne safe. It does not feed the Malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.

Why does my skin feel dry after using hyaluronic acid?

In dry environments, hyaluronic acid may not have enough environmental moisture to draw from. Always follow with a moisturizer to seal in hydration and prevent water loss.

Can hyaluronic acid replace moisturizer?

No, hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts water but does not seal it in. You still need a moisturizer (or at least an occlusive ingredient) to prevent water from evaporating.

The Bottom Line

Hyaluronic acid is one of the safest, most universally beneficial skincare ingredients available. With a comedogenic rating of 0, it poses virtually no risk of clogging pores or causing acne.

For acne-prone skin, hyaluronic acid offers lightweight hydration that supports your skin barrier without the heaviness of oil-based moisturizers. It works beautifully alongside acne treatments and helps combat the dryness these treatments can cause.

The key is choosing a well-formulated product without additional comedogenic ingredients. Check the full ingredient list, not just the featured hyaluronic acid.

Want to quickly check if your hyaluronic acid serum contains any comedogenic ingredients? Use SCRNE to scan the ingredient list and instantly identify any potential pore-clogging culprits.

Sources

Papakonstantinou, E., et al. "Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging." Dermato-Endocrinology, vol. 4, no. 3, 2012, pp. 253-258. PubMed
Draelos, Z. D. "Hyaluronic Acid: A Key Player in Skin Health." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 10, no. 4, 2011, pp. 325-330.
Jegasothy, S. M., et al. "Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans." Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, vol. 7, no. 3, 2014, pp. 27-29. PubMed
Cosmetic Ingredient Review. "Safety Assessment of Hyaluronic Acid as Used in Cosmetics." CIR Expert Panel
Kawada, C., et al. "Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin." Nutrition Journal, vol. 13, no. 70, 2014. PubMed