What is hyaluronic acid made of?

Feb 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have recently been considering undergoing some aesthetic medical treatments. I heard that hyaluronic acid offers good results, but I don't know much about it. May I ask what hyaluronic acid is made of?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Lu

Hyaluronic acid, also known as sodium hyaluronate, is an acidic mucopolysaccharide widely present in human and animal skin, lens, joint capsule, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, placenta, and other tissues. Due to its strong water-absorbing capacity and moisturizing function, it is widely used in the fields of aesthetic medicine, skincare, and clinical medicine.

In the human body, hyaluronic acid is mainly distributed in the skin, joints, and vitreous body of the eye, where it functions to retain moisture, lubricate, and support tissues. When used as a filler, hyaluronic acid is primarily administered via injection for filling and smoothing facial wrinkles, increasing skin volume, improving skin elasticity, and making the skin appear fuller and younger. Its safety profile is relatively high because the human body naturally contains hyaluronic acid, so allergic reactions are generally uncommon after injection. However, some side effects may occur after injection, such as redness, pain, and infection, but these typically resolve spontaneously.

If hyaluronic acid treatment is desired, it is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and undergo evaluation under the guidance of a physician. Proper skin cleansing and care after treatment will further contribute to skin health.