Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is all the rage these days. And rightfully so, as the benefits of hyaluronic acid for plump skin are tremendous.
Hyaluronic acid is a truly amazing skin moisturizer. It is able to hold 1000 times its weight in water and if used properly, it can hydrate at the skin’s surface and penetrate the layers beneath it, helping plump and smooth the skin’s texture.
Hyaluronic acid – or hyaluronan – is a clear, gel-like substance that is naturally produced inside our bodies.
With age, though, our ability to produce enough of this substance diminishes slowly. It is not only the effect of the natural aging process but also exposure to toxins.
Pollutants such as ultraviolet radiation, smog, and tobacco smoke cause this hydrator and lubricant to slowly decrease in our skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Supplementation
This is why it makes sense to take Hyaluronic Acid internally – in the form of a supplement – and externally as a topical in hydrating face serums, gels, creams, and lotions.
Taken internally, hyaluronan can help decrease wrinkles and leads to the overall improvement in skin’s suppleness and general appearance (check out the complete study here).
When taken orally, HA can also help lubricate bones and relieve joint pain, aid with some digestive issues (e.g. acid reflux), as well as lead to the strengthening of hair and alleviating dry eye symptoms.
Hyaluronic Acid is Key for Plump and Hydrated Skin
When applied topically, Hyaluronic Acid will plump and hydrate your skin and make it look and feel smooth, dewy, and radiant.
“Topically, Hyaluronic Acid has water storing properties, making it an ideal swelling agent and lubricant, enabling its incorporation into cosmetics leading to a perceptible and visible improvement of skin condition.”
Lotioncrafter
When choosing hyaluronic acid to use on your skin, it is crucial to watch out for different molecular weights. Not to get too geeky here, but a little bit of science is in order.

There are two types of hyaluronan on the market.
High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) and low (or ultra-low) molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA).
The high molecular form of hyaluronic acid has large molecules and when mixed with water, it binds to it, forming a gooey gel.
Unlike regular HA, Hyaluronic Acid LMW will not form a gel in water. It has much smaller molecules, and they don’t bind so well to water but they can penetrate the skin easier.
BUT, I would caution against using low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. In several studies, it has been linked to increased inflammation.
As such, it could be seen as a potential contributor to chronic diseases, including cancer.
“HMW-HA promotes regenerative healing in adult wounds. On the other hand, LMW-HA and intermediate-weight HA increase the expression of macrophage inflammatory proteins, which may suggest that LMW-HA is important in the induction of the inflammatory cascade.”
Study
My Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera Botanical Serum
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Ever since I discovered the amazing hydrating and plumping properties of hyaluronic acid, I wanted to include it in my skincare routine. It turns out, it is pretty easy to make.
Just purchase the HA powder from a reputable source, making sure that the molecular weight is clearly stated and that it is high.
Hyaluronic Acid forms a thin transparent visco-elastic surface film that helps to preserve the characteristics of youthful and healthy skin: suppleness, elasticity, and tone.
Lotioncrafter
The powder tends to clump in the distilled water or a hydrosol. One way to avoid it is to pre-mix it with glycerin (which is itself a great moisture-binding agent) and then add it to your water.
Alternatively, you can add it to water in a jar with a cover, shut it tight, shake and mix, and place it in the fridge for an hour or so.
After this time to hydrate, mix the gel well and use it as is, or add it to the rest of your formulation.
Aloe Vera Gel
I add another superb hydrator that will quench the skin’s thirst instantly and improves its ability to hold moisture over time – Aloe Vera Juice.
If you grow your own Aloe, you can scoop some of the gel from inside the leaves. Other than that, just get a good quality Aloe Vera juice (without any additives).

Aloe Vera Juice – $16.17
from: Starwest Botanicals Inc.
Botanical Extracts
I also add one or two botanical extracts containing active Flavonoids and Essential Oil compounds to my serum.
My faves are Chamomile (anti-inflammatory and soothing to the skin) or Helichrysum Extract (calming and anti-aging).
Essential Oils
Essential Oils work synergistically to address some common skin aging concerns.
Geranium and Lavender target wrinkles and fine lines.
Frankincense Carterii helps improve scarring, skin discoloration, and other irregularities.
And Juniper Berry tightens and plumps the skin helping diminish the appearance of discoloration on the skin.

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Virtually weightless, the serum sinks into my skin almost in an instant. It can be used alone as a serum or mixed in with other serums, gels, and creams.
I use AM and PM on clean, almost-dry skin. In the AM, I dissolve some Vitamin C powder in a dropper-full of the serum.
Moist skin absorbs products better than dry skin, so apply while the skin is still slightly damp.
In the evenings, I like to mix the serum with my Blue Cactus Elixir or follow with oil-containing moisturizers like the 14 Oils Facial Serum.
Recipe for DIY a Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid for Plump Skin
This recipe will make 100g of the finished product, with 2% HA concentration.
- 2 g HMW-HA (find at Lotioncrafter)
- 60g distilled water or hydrosol of choice (lavender, rose, etc.)
- 25g Aloe Vera
- 5g Chamomile Extract (find at Lotioncrafter)
- 5g Helichrysum Extract (find at Lotioncrafter)
- 10 drops each of Geranium, Juniper Berry, Frankincense Carterii, and Lavender essential oils
- 3g Leucidal Liquid (preservative, accepted by the Whole Foods Acceptable Premium Preservative List, and approved for use in ECOCert Certified Organic products) (find at Lotioncrafter)
Process
- Pre-mix HA with distilled water or hydrosol. Let stand in the fridge for one hour or until fully hydrated and gel-like without clumps.
- Add other ingredients, mix well, put it into bottles. Done!
- Use it daily and see it do its magic.
If you are not ready to make your own hyaluronic acid serum, pop into my store. I offer freshly made batches of the 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum for sale.
The serum is customizable. If you tell me your specific skin concerns, I’ll add essential oils or botanical extracts to address these accordingly.
Will have to try Hyaluronic acid. My skin has been so dry this past few days. I need a better moisturizer for my face. Will try the DIY thank you
It’s a lifesaver for parched skin!
Fascinating — I’ve never heard of this before but I sure enjoy plumped skin, so will need to give it a try!
What a great recipe! I didn’t realize this was something I could make so easily at home!
Love this post, super informative! I absolutely love aloe and essential oils so this is something right up my alley! Thank you!
Glad you found it useful! Aloe is great in so many ways, I agree!
I hadn’t ever heard of hyaluronic acid before. Very interesting! Thanks for all of the info!
You’re so welcome!
I remember trying aloe vera in my teenage years and developing an allergy each time. I since dropped it. Not sure if it is age-related and hormonal, but perhaps it won’t be a good idea to try now. I guess I’ll stick with the commercial version. By the way, I had no idea there were two types of Hyaluronic Acid; thanks for the explanation!
I’m sorry you are allergic to aloe. There are good, organic commercial version of aloe vera gel out there. I hope you will find one that works for you.
How long does this last if I don’t use the Leucidal Liquid? How long does it last if I do use it? Is it better to store in the refrigerator?
HI Nanci,
With Leucidal Liquid, you don’t have to keep it in the fridge and it lasts without any issues for about a month or five weeks which is just about when 1 oz will get used up. Without the preservative, I would keep it in the fridge and discard within three weeks max.