Best hyaluronic acid: a pharmacist’s opinion (Best omega-3: our opinion)

We analyzed 9 products according to 6 criteria and selected the following supplements:

# Best hyaluronic acid : Hyaluronic Acid – Nutri&Co 🥇

# Best value for money : Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C – Novoma

# Best budget option : Hyaluronic Acid – Nutrimea

Best hyaluronic acid capsules

Our selection criteria

• Hyaluronic acid amount : the amount of hyaluronic acid contained in the brand’s recommended daily dose.
• Other active ingredients : the other ingredients in the supplement, also intended for skin beauty.
• Molecular weight: the body’s ability to absorb the supplement depends on this measure. Prefer a broad-spectrum molecular weight (molecules of different sizes).
• Price / day: the cost for 1 day of treatment, based on the brand’s recommended daily dose.
• Customer reviews: this average of customer ratings for the brand comes from the manufacturer’s website, review platforms, or marketplaces like Amazon.
• Our opinion on the brand: based on the supplement brand tests we perform each month and the analysis of 6 criteria such as transparency and expertise.

All the supplements selected below are made in France and contain no excipients or additives.

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# Best hyaluronic acid 🥇

Nutri&Co offers an excellent quality hyaluronic acid supplement. It contains a good dose of the active ingredient, and its broad-spectrum molecular weight (between 50 KDa and 3000 KDa) allows optimal absorption by the body.

The “DuoCap®” capsules (liquid + powder) also contain evening primrose oil and borage oil. These natural active ingredients are renowned for skin care, thanks to the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) they contain.

The effectiveness of this hyaluronic acid molecule (ExceptionHYAL® Star) on skin beauty was clinically demonstrated and confirmed by 60 study subjects after just 4 weeks.

We like the Nutri&Co brand because it is reliable and transparent (our full review here). We also note that customer reviews are very good.

This brand is based in Aix-en-Provence and places particular importance on the quality of the active ingredients in its products.

Use the promo code DARWINGIFT to receive a free surprise product (minimum purchase of €70).

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Best value for money

Novoma offers a good quality hyaluronic acid supplement, at a more attractive price.

The two capsules provide 200 mg of active ingredient per day (ExceptionHYAL® Star, the same as Nutri&Co), as well as 100 mg of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal formation of collagen and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Novoma is a quality French brand offering supplements concentrated in active ingredients, at controlled prices (read our full review here). The certificates of analysis for their supplements are available on the laboratory’s website.

Use the promo code DARWIN-5 to get €5 off your order (no minimum purchase).

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Best budget option

The hyaluronic acid offered by Nutrimea is a cheaper alternative. The amount of hyaluronic acid is lower than elsewhere but remains acceptable.

The capsules also contain collagen (in small amounts), vitamin A, vitamin C and selenium.

Nutrimea is a quality French brand offering supplements concentrated in active ingredients at controlled prices. (our test here). Its product range is particularly wide.

Use promo code DARWIN10 to get 10% off (no minimum order).

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What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a molecule naturally present in the body. It is synthesized by different cells and notably by mesenchymal cells, cells capable of producing and regenerating tissues such as bones, muscles, or cartilage.

It is found in all tissues and body fluids: synovial fluid (in the joints), skeletal tissues, cardiac tissues, and also in the eyes.

But it is mainly present in skin tissues. Together with the collagen, it is one of the main components of the dermis and cartilage.

It is a macromolecule called ‘glycosaminoglycan’ that acts by binding to other molecules to form an elastic, dense, and viscous gel.

Hyaluronic acid ensures bonding, support, and tissue protection. Capable of retaining water, it maintains hydration in the dermis.

It plumps the skin, giving it firmness and elasticity. That’s why it’s a key molecule in dermocosmetics. It is often associated with collagen and elastin.

Hyaluronic acid also plays a major role in joint health. Thanks to its gel-like texture, it acts as a lubricant for the joints.

It also helps reduce pain associated with joint problems such as osteoarthritis.

Unfortunately, its production gradually decreases with age. Free radicals, particularly UV rays, also degrade hyaluronic acid molecules.

Oral supplementation can be helpful to make up for this loss.

What are its benefits?

Anti-aging and moisturizing

Premature skin aging occurs mainly as a result of repeated exposure to UV rays. This photoaging causes a reduction in hyaluronic acid production.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is most abundant in the skin, representing 50% of total body HA.

It acts in synergy with collagen to slow skin aging. It has an anti-aging effect and contributes to the skin’s elasticity and firmness.

Furthermore, it is involved in skin hydration. As shown by this study, oral intake of hyaluronic acid for 6 weeks improved hydration and water retention within tissues.

It thus reduces skin dryness, plumps the epidermis and reduces the appearance of wrinkles (volume, surface and depth).

After 12 weeks of daily intake of 120 mg of hyaluronic acid, another trial conducted on 40 men and women aged 35 to 64 found a significant improvement in skin condition in terms of wrinkles and elasticity, compared with the placebo group (which did not take hyaluronic acid).

Orally and topically, it is the subject of numerous studies on skin rejuvenation.

Healing

Hyaluronic acid is a major component of the wound healing process, particularly during the early stages, as indicated by this article. It contributes to cell renewal and reduces inflammation at the site of a wound.

The application of a topical hyaluronic acid gel to a skin lesion promoted hydration and healing in an animal model study. The gel’s air permeability was higher than that of a dressing, allowing the skin to breathe and preventing maceration.

This healing property is also used in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Orally ingested hyaluronic acid shows promising effects on intestinal mucosal inflammation during a flare of ulcerative colitis.

Supports joint health

It is essential for health and joint well-being.

Indeed, it is a component of synovial fluid. This helps lubricate the knee, ankle, wrist, and hip joints.

It reduces friction between bones, cushions shocks and protects cartilage from wear, by blocking an enzyme (called MMP-3) that plays a key role in cartilage breakdown.

Additionally, hyaluronic acid can relieve pain caused by joint disorders or cartilage degeneration.

In this study, taking hyaluronic acid together with quadriceps strengthening exercises helped improve symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Helps fight dry eyes

Thanks to its chemical structure, hyaluronic acid is able to attract several times its weight in water. It lubricates the ocular surface and moisturizes the eyes, promoting hydration.

Its healing power shows significant benefit in ocular healing after ophthalmic surgery, as indicated by this review of studies.

Where to buy hyaluronic acid capsules?

• Pharmacies and parapharmacies
• Health food stores
• Specialty stores (sports nutrition, dietary supplements…)
• Specialized e-commerce sites

What criteria should you use to choose hyaluronic acid capsules?

1. Hyaluronic acid concentration

For real effectiveness, each capsule must contain enough active ingredients. We recommend a concentration of 200 mg per day.

This amount may be lower if hyaluronic acid is combined with other active ingredients such as collagen or vitamins. In this case, the concentrations are divided among each active ingredient.

2. Origin

This acid was long extracted from rooster combs. It is considered a novel ingredient, and is authorized as an additive in food products (notably dairy products) for its beneficial effect on joint health.

Indeed, it contains 60 to 80% sodium hyaluronate, 20% proteins (including collagen), and other minerals (sodium, calcium, etc).

This unique composition is responsible for the viscous texture obtained. 

Nowadays, hyaluronic acid, particularly in the field of cosmetics, is mainly obtained by bacterial fermentation. 

I recommend this second option. This biotechnological technique allows the synthesis of hyaluronic acid filaments. Cultivated on a plant-based medium (wheat or beet), hyaluronic acid is synthesized by bacteria: Streptococcus, gradually replaced by the strain Bacillus subtilis.

This bacterial strain, according to some laboratories, would reduce the risk of contamination by impurities.

3. Molecular weight

Hyaluronic acid can have a molecular weight (or size) ranging from 50 to 2000 kiloDaltons (kDa). This weight determines its assimilation by the body and its ability to penetrate the skin. 

A low molecular weight (50 kDa, for example) penetrates more deeply and acts at the cellular level, but it is rapidly eliminated by the body.

Low-molecular-weight molecules also contribute to the internal production of hyaluronic acid. It is recommended for external use and in anti-aging treatments (creams, serums…).

A high-molecular-weight formula (for example 2000 kDa) is less easily absorbed by the body, but it provides structure to the extracellular matrix, which plays a fundamental role in supporting and firming the skin.

High-molecular-weight molecules also play a role in the lubrication of joint tissues.

For oral supplementation, a broad-spectrum molecular weight is preferred. The capsules then contain molecules of different sizes for optimal absorption and action at all levels.

4. Composition of hyaluronic acid capsules

Check the composition, which should be as natural as possible. Avoid those containing excipients, preservatives, or GMOs.

Also favor capsules with a plant-based shell.

Due to its production process, hyaluronic acid cannot be certified organic.

5. Form

Hyaluronic acid is available as topical treatments in cosmetics, and orally as dietary supplements.

Hyaluronic acid is therefore found in serums and creams indicated for anti-wrinkle and moisturizing purposes.

Forms such as capsules or tablets are offered for deeper action: maintenance of tissue hydration levels, contribution to collagen production, and slowing of skin aging.

The hyaluronic acid injections are used in aesthetic dermatology as filler products in the treatment of facial wrinkles. They are also indicated in rheumatology for joint support, particularly in the knees (after medical advice). 

6. Price

The price of hyaluronic acid capsules varies depending on the brands, the concentration of active ingredients, or the manufacturing process.

As a general rule, expect between €20 and €30 for 60 capsules.

To summarize

To ensure you choose quality hyaluronic acid capsules, check:

• The concentration of hyaluronic acid : it should be at least 200 mg per capsule.
• The source : prefer bacterial fermentation.
• The molecular weight : opt for a broad-spectrum molecular weight.
• The composition : it should be natural, without excipients or preservatives.
• The form: in capsules for an overall effect, in cosmetic treatments for a local plumping effect.
• The price : it ranges from €20 to €30 for 60 capsules.

Systemically administered hyaluronic acid is contraindicated in pregnant women and breastfeeding women, and in patients with liver or kidney disease.

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Best hyaluronic acid

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Best value for money

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Best budget option

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