Researchers looked at seven different studies about taking hyaluronic acid as a pill or supplement to see if it could improve skin health. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance already in your skin that helps keep it hydrated and plump. The analysis found that people who took oral hyaluronic acid supplements showed real improvements in skin moisture, elasticity (how stretchy and bouncy skin is), and reduction in wrinkle depth compared to those taking a placebo. While other benefits like skin firmness weren’t as clear, the overall results suggest oral hyaluronic acid might be worth considering as part of an anti-aging routine.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether taking hyaluronic acid as an oral supplement (pills or drinks) can improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce wrinkles
- Who participated: Seven different research studies involving people who took either hyaluronic acid supplements or placebo pills. The exact total number of participants wasn’t specified, but the studies were randomized controlled trials (the gold standard for testing supplements)
- Key finding: People taking oral hyaluronic acid showed statistically significant improvements in skin hydration, skin elasticity, and wrinkle depth compared to those taking placebo. This means the improvements were real and not just due to chance
- What it means for you: Oral hyaluronic acid supplements may help your skin retain more moisture and appear smoother with fewer visible wrinkles. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings, and results may vary from person to person
The Research Details
This was a meta-analysis, which means researchers searched through scientific databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) to find all the high-quality studies already done on oral hyaluronic acid supplements. They found seven randomized controlled trials—these are the best type of studies because people are randomly assigned to either take the real supplement or a fake pill (placebo) without knowing which one they’re getting. This prevents bias from affecting the results.
The researchers then combined the results from all seven studies to see if there was a consistent pattern. They used statistical methods to compare how much the hyaluronic acid group improved compared to the placebo group. This approach is powerful because it looks at the big picture across multiple studies rather than relying on just one experiment.
Using a meta-analysis is important because individual studies can sometimes give conflicting results or have small numbers of participants. By combining seven different studies, researchers can see if the benefits of oral hyaluronic acid are consistent and reliable. This gives us more confidence in the findings than any single study could provide
The strength of this analysis comes from using only randomized controlled trials, which are considered the gold standard in medical research. However, the researchers noted that the studies they analyzed had different designs and sample sizes, which can make it harder to compare results directly. The researchers also mentioned that the total number of participants across all studies was limited, meaning larger and more consistent studies would help confirm these findings
What the Results Show
The meta-analysis found clear, statistically significant improvements in three key skin measures when people took oral hyaluronic acid compared to placebo. First, skin hydration improved noticeably—the supplement helped skin retain more moisture, making it look and feel more dewy and plump. Second, skin elasticity improved, meaning skin became more stretchy and bouncy, which is a sign of healthier, younger-looking skin. Third, wrinkle depth was reduced, meaning the visible lines and creases in the skin became shallower and less noticeable.
These improvements were consistent across the studies analyzed, suggesting that oral hyaluronic acid has real benefits for these specific skin concerns. The fact that these results were ‘statistically significant’ means the improvements were large enough that they almost certainly weren’t due to chance or placebo effect alone.
The research also looked at other skin benefits like overall skin firmness, wrinkle volume (how much space wrinkles take up), and transepidermal water loss (how much water escapes through the skin). While these measures showed a general trend toward improvement, the results weren’t strong enough to be considered statistically significant. This doesn’t mean oral hyaluronic acid doesn’t help with these issues—it just means the evidence wasn’t as clear or convincing as it was for hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle depth
These findings align well with what scientists already knew about hyaluronic acid from other research. Hyaluronic acid is already widely used in topical skincare products and dermal fillers because it’s proven to hold moisture and plump up skin. This meta-analysis suggests that taking it orally (by mouth) may provide similar benefits, which is exciting because it offers a different way to deliver this beneficial ingredient to your skin
The researchers were honest about the study’s limitations. The main concern is that the total number of people studied across all seven trials was relatively small, so larger studies would strengthen the evidence. Additionally, the seven studies included had some differences in how they were designed and conducted, which can make it harder to combine their results accurately. The researchers also didn’t have detailed information about factors like age, skin type, dosage amounts, or how long people took the supplements, which could affect the results
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, oral hyaluronic acid supplements appear to be a reasonable option if you’re interested in improving skin hydration, elasticity, and reducing visible wrinkles. The evidence is moderate—not definitive, but promising. If you decide to try it, give it at least 8-12 weeks to see results, as skin changes take time. Always consult with a dermatologist before starting any new supplement, especially if you have sensitive skin or take other medications
This research is most relevant for adults concerned about aging skin, dryness, or visible wrinkles who are looking for anti-aging options. It may be particularly interesting for people who prefer oral supplements over topical creams or injectable treatments. However, this research doesn’t apply to people with certain medical conditions, pregnant or nursing women, or those allergic to hyaluronic acid. People with very young skin or no skin concerns probably don’t need this supplement
Most skin improvements take time to develop. Based on typical supplement studies, you should expect to wait at least 4-8 weeks before noticing subtle changes in skin hydration and elasticity. More visible improvements in wrinkle reduction might take 8-12 weeks or longer. Individual results vary significantly based on genetics, age, overall health, diet, and sun exposure
Want to Apply This Research?
- Take a weekly selfie under consistent lighting (same time of day, same location) and track subjective skin hydration using a simple 1-10 scale. Also note any changes in skin texture, elasticity (how quickly skin bounces back when pinched), and visible wrinkle appearance
- Set a daily reminder to take your hyaluronic acid supplement at the same time each day (consistency matters for supplements). Pair this habit with drinking adequate water throughout the day, as hyaluronic acid works best when your body is well-hydrated
- Create a monthly comparison by taking photos under identical conditions and reviewing them side-by-side. Track skin hydration by noting how your skin feels throughout the day (dry, normal, or hydrated). Keep notes on any changes in wrinkle appearance, skin firmness, or overall skin quality. Share photos with your dermatologist at your next visit to get professional feedback on changes
This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While this meta-analysis suggests oral hyaluronic acid supplements may improve certain skin parameters, individual results vary significantly. Before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have existing health conditions, consult with a qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist. This supplement is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The findings presented are based on limited research, and larger, more robust studies are needed to confirm these results. Results are not guaranteed and may take several weeks to become noticeable.