Why Hyaluronic Acid Deserves a Permanent Spot in Your Skincare Routine

If skincare had an all-rounder MVP, it would be Hyaluronic Acid (HA). The quiet achiever of the beauty world, HA isn’t flashy, it doesn’t tingle or peel, but it does something far more valuable — it gives your skin the gift of deep, lasting hydration. In 2025, as conversations around skin barrier health and “skin longevity” dominate the beauty landscape, this humble molecule is having a moment yet again.

Why Hyaluronic Acid Is Still Relevant

Here’s the science in simple terms: HA is a sugar molecule naturally found in our bodies that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Think of it as a tall, crystal-clear glass of hydration poured straight into your skin. But what makes it truly timeless is its versatility. Whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive, or combination, HA doesn’t discriminate. Instead, it works quietly in the background to plump fine lines, improve elasticity, and restore that healthy, dewy glow.

What are the Experts Saying

Chirag Taneja, co-founder of Minimalist, explains why HA has become a staple in Indian skincare routines: “Hydration is often misunderstood as moisturization. While moisturizers seal the skin, hyaluronic acid binds water within it, keeping skin supple from within. When paired with actives like Vitamin B5 or Polyglutamic Acid, the results are amplified — it’s science meeting simplicity.”

Tom Allison, one of the founding members of CeraVe, agrees but highlights its broader role in skin health: “Hyaluronic acid isn’t just about hydration. It supports the skin barrier by creating the right environment for repair and resilience. At CeraVe, we combine HA with ceramides to ensure hydration goes hand-in-hand with barrier protection.”

How to Use It Right

Like all good things, HA needs a little finesse. The golden rule? Apply it on damp skin. This helps it draw in water and hold it where your skin needs it most. Always follow up with a moisturizer to lock everything in. And don’t expect overnight miracles — HA is more marathon than sprint. Used consistently, it rewards patience with skin that looks plump, smooth, and deeply nourished.

So why, in a sea of trendy new ingredients, is HA still the star of every skincare shelf? The answer lies in its adaptability. With wellness taking center stage, people are prioritising skin health over quick fixes. HA fits seamlessly into that shift — it’s gentle, universally compatible, and plays well with almost every other active. Plus, in India’s ever-changing climate, where our skin oscillates between parched and oily, HA feels like a safe, reliable friend.

If skincare is self-care, then hyaluronic acid is that glass of water your skin has been craving. It’s the antidote to dullness, the quiet supporter of barrier strength, and the universal step that makes every other product in your routine work harder. Far from being just another “trend,” HA has cemented itself as a forever essential.

Five Hyaluronic Acid Serums Worth Buying Right Now

Ready to add HA to your ritual? Here are five tried-and-tested serums that deliver hydration with credibility and consistency:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – A cult classic layering multiple molecular weights of HA with Vitamin B5 for deeper hydration.

Minimalist 2% Hyaluronic Acid + PGA – India’s clean-beauty star; boosted with Polyglutamic Acid to lock in water more effectively.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum – Lightweight, dermatologist-approved, and perfect for daily wear.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum – Combines HA with ceramides to restore the skin barrier while delivering hydration.

Splash Hydrating Face Serum – A refreshing formula praised for all-day hydration without heaviness.

Trends may come and go, but hyaluronic acid isn’t one of them. It’s not hype; it’s hydration science — and your skin deserves every drop.