Exploring the rise of hyaluronic acid, its benefits and drawbacks, and the natural alternatives your skin will love.
Today’s skincare shelves are bursting with bottles boasting hyaluronic acid the supposed holy grail of hydration. But let’s be honest, our grandmothers weren’t slathering this stuff on in the '50s, and yet they still managed to have enviably soft, supple skin (and without a ten-step routine or a jade roller in sight). So, what is this moisture magnet we’re all obsessed with? And is it really as natural and harmless as it sounds?
At Olive & Joyce, we’ve watched the hyaluronic acid hype rise faster than a sourdough starter in lockdown. And as makers of slow, natural skincare, we’ve naturally had a few questions about where it comes from, what it’s really doing to our skin, and whether we might be better off reaching for something a little more grounded (like turmeric oil, carrot seed oil or perhaps even a damp flannel).
Hyaluronic Acid: The Moisture Magnet
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a molecule naturally occurring in our skin, eyes, and joints. Its party trick, it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. When applied topically, it acts like a sponge drawing moisture into the skin to create a plump, dewy appearance. Sounds dreamy, right?
However, while HA is naturally present in our bodies, the version found in many serums is lab-made and brace yourself extracted from…you’ll never guess... rooster combs (yes, that’s right, those floppy red bits on a chicken’s head!).
Some forms are even produced by bacterial fermentation, making them vegan, but still not quite aligned with what Mother Nature intended.
The Hidden Issues: Skin and Environment
Despite its reputation as a hydration hero, hyaluronic acid isn’t without its complications. Once washed off, many HA products introduce preservatives, microplastics, and silicones into our waterways, potentially harming aquatic ecosystems. Even though HA itself is biodegradable, these undesirable companions can disrupt nature’s balance a bit like inviting a lovely guest who brings along a rowdy entourage.
On the skin front, HA can backfire too. In dry climates, instead of drawing moisture into your skin, it might pull water from deeper layers, leaving your complexion parched and tight. Overuse, particularly when combined with other potent actives, may also irritate your skin’s natural barrier undermining the very glow it’s meant to enhance.
More worrying still, hyaluronic acid is now being marketed to children. Brands like Drunk Elephant are turning serious skincare into a trend.
Young skin doesn’t need acids; it needs care. These harsh actives can damage developing skin barriers, making them unsuitable for child-friendly or teen skincare routines not to mention the waste from overhyped, underused products.
And here’s the part no one’s telling you: if you want your skin to hold onto more water, you don’t necessarily need an expensive serum or complicated routine. All you really need to do is apply a natural, oil-based face moisturiser (like ours) to a damp face, an easy hydration hack for anyone looking to care for dry skin without hyaluronic acid. That’s it. This simple, inexpensive trick helps trap water in the skin giving you lasting hydration, naturally. No fluff, no faff.
Nature’s Answer: Turmeric & Carrot Seed Oils
At Olive & Joyce, we believe there’s a gentler, greener path to natural skincare and hydration. Instead of relying solely on synthetic hyaluronic acid, our formulations feature turmeric oil and carrot seed oil, two plant-powered ingredients that offer natural hydration and luminous benefits without the baggage of animal by-products or disruptive chemicals.
Turmeric oil is a little miracle worker. Loaded with antioxidants and known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps soothe redness and refine skin tone, all while imparting a warm, radiant glow. (A quick Google of turmeric oil benefits for skin will tell you we’re not just being biased.)
Carrot seed oil, brimming with beta-carotene and vitamin E, dives deep into the skin to boost hydration, improve elasticity, and ensure a naturally luminous finish.
Together, they create a modern twist on timeless beauty wisdom and one that even our grandmothers would be proud of.
No Cockerels, Just Time-Tested Wisdom
So, do you really need hyaluronic acid? No. But if you’re craving hydration that honours both your skin and the planet, nature offers everything you need without the complexity or the cockerels. Our turmeric and carrot seed oil blends are proof that glow doesn’t have to come in trendy packaging or a ten-step routine.
Sometimes, the best things really are the simplest water, oil, and a bit of know-how passed down (with love) through the generations.
If you’re curious about how we choose what goes in (and what stays out), you might enjoy this behind-the-scenes peek at our natural skincare philosophy.
If this gave you a smile (or raised an eyebrow or a rooster comb), you might enjoy a little wander through the rest of our blog. We chat all things skincare, sustainability and slow beauty with the odd herbal tea and nostalgic nod along the way.
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Kettle’s on and Biscuits optional.