The Skin Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is having a bona fide beauty moment. You'll find it in a wide range of products, from injectables and supplements to skincare. Don't fancy the idea of injecting this wonder ingredient into your skin? Fair enough. You’ll find hyaluronic acid on the labels of serums, creams, and gels without a needle in sight. But what does it do and what are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin?

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule produced by the human body. It’s hidden in your eyes, joints, connective tissue, and your skin. It's an incredible substance, helping to keep your tissues nice and lubricated by retaining water. For our joints, it works as a cushion, keeping us moving smoothly. Half the body’s hyaluronic acid is found in the skin.

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin?

It hydrates

Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in healthy skin because it keeps our cells hydrated. It binds to water, helping skin to retain moisture. In fact, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water!
As we get older, our natural stores of hyaluronic acid decrease. The consequent loss of moisture mean skin is more prone to getting dry and dehydrated. Thankfully, hyaluronic acid skin care can help to boost moisture in the skin. You don't have to sacrifice a plumped and dewy appearance.

It’s a powerful humectant

Hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant - another buzz word in beauty. In skincare, a humectant works by drawing moisture into the skin. Think of it as your secret weapon for a dewy, glowing complexion.


It’s non-irritating

Don’t be scared of the word “acid”. Hyaluronic acid is actually very safe for skin. It is, after all, produced by our bodies! Hyaluronic acid has not been shown to cause acne, rosacea, or allergic reactions. If you do experience any side effects, we recommend you see a doctor or dermatologist.

It’s weightless

Hyaluronic acid is a light, gooey substance which is easily absorbed by the skin. It’s a great ingredient in skincare because it doesn’t feel heavy or clog pores. It penetrates the skin’s layers, helping to plump and firm.

It can assist in skin repair

Hyaluronic acid may play a role in the regeneration of tissue and inflammation responses. One reason is because hyaluronic acid strengthens the skin’s natural barrier. A strong barrier helps protect from environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays.

The Best Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser

Look on the shelf of any beauty store and you’ll see many a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid. But it’s important to note that not every hyaluronic acid moisturiser is created equal.

Plant-based hyaluronic acid is the hero ingredient in Baptise H2O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel. Although plenty of water gels exist, Baptise is unique. At Antipodes®, we wanted to create a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid that was 100% natural, certified vegetarian, and based on clean, New Zealand ingredients. The result is a product that ticks all the boxes for eco-conscious beauty experts.

100% natural

Hyaluronic acid can be naturally or synthetically sourced. We don’t use synthetic ingredients or animal products in our range, so we did our homework and looked for a plant-based alternative. In Baptise, you'll find a completely natural version of hyaluronic acid. It's created by a bacteria that’s fermented from vegetables.

Pure New Zealand ingredients

Antipodes products are free from toxic ingredients and Baptise is no different. The formulation harnesses the power of bioactive New Zealand nature - not chemicals.
You'll find manuka honey. Like our plant-based hyaluronic acid, manuka honey is a natural humectant. The two ingredients work together to deliver hydration to skin. Manuka honey also has antibacterial properties, which help to resolve blemishes. That means it's a hyaluronic moisturiser for dry skin, and oily skin too.

Other natural ingredients vying for attention on the label include harakeke gel. Harakeke gel derives from the roots of New Zealand's native flax. It helps to give the product its beautiful texture while providing instant moisture.

Meanwhile, mamaku black fern produces a polysaccharide – sugar-like substance which helps to encourage a renewed complexion. Subtropical hibiscus flower contains organic pyruvic acid, a natural astringent. This extract gently lifts away lifeless skin to brighten and freshen the complexion. Nature's purity, in a jar.

Scientific validation

Our high-performing hyaluronic acid moisturiser isn't just packed with natural, clean ingredients. It's backed by science. Baptise H2O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel is clinically shown to increase skin hydration by up to 52% after 24 hours*. We're passionate about crafting skincare that is not only natural, but really works.

The word might be hard to say, but the benefits of hyaluronic acid are easy to see! It hydrates and plumps dry skin and dehydrated skin – but any skin type can experience the benefits of hyaluronic acid. Look for hyaluronic acid skin care that’s 100% natural. It delivers the most nourishing blend of clean ingredients for youthful, glowing skin.

Experience the benefits of hyaluronic acid for yourself in Baptise H2O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel.

Recommended products

Maya Hyaluronic 72-Hour Hydration Serum 30ml
Target dehydrated skin

20% SITEWIDE + FREE VANILLA POD WORTH $64 ON ORDERS OVER $100*

$44.80 NZD
$56.00 NZD
Anoint H₂O De-Puffing Eye Gel 30ml
Target dehydrated skin

20% SITEWIDE + FREE VANILLA POD WORTH $64 ON ORDERS OVER $100*

$49.60 NZD
$62.00 NZD
Baptise Hyaluronic H₂O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel 60ml
Target dehydrated skin & blemishes

20% SITEWIDE + FREE VANILLA POD WORTH $64 ON ORDERS OVER $100*

$44.80 NZD
$56.00 NZD
Harmony Hyaluronic Manuka Honey Night Cream 60ml
Target dehydrated skin, pigmentation & dull skin

20% SITEWIDE + FREE VANILLA POD WORTH $64 ON ORDERS OVER $100*

$51.20 NZD
$64.00 NZD
Maya Hyaluronic 72-Hour Hydration Serum 30ml
Target dehydrated skin

20% SITEWIDE + FREE VANILLA POD WORTH $64 ON ORDERS OVER $100*

$44.80 NZD
$56.00 NZD
Anoint H₂O De-Puffing Eye Gel 30ml
Target dehydrated skin

20% SITEWIDE + FREE VANILLA POD WORTH $64 ON ORDERS OVER $100*

$49.60 NZD
$62.00 NZD
Baptise Hyaluronic H₂O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel 60ml
Target dehydrated skin & blemishes

20% SITEWIDE + FREE VANILLA POD WORTH $64 ON ORDERS OVER $100*

$44.80 NZD
$56.00 NZD
Harmony Hyaluronic Manuka Honey Night Cream 60ml
Target dehydrated skin, pigmentation & dull skin

20% SITEWIDE + FREE VANILLA POD WORTH $64 ON ORDERS OVER $100*

$51.20 NZD
$64.00 NZD

*Dermatest Australia: clinical study of 10 women, ages 38-58, 2019.