Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide naturally present in the dermis, connective tissue and joints. In aesthetic medicine, it is the basis of most fillers and skin boosters. This article covers its properties and the main injectable forms available to practitioners.
Properties of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that binds large amounts of water. In the dermis, it supports hydration of the extracellular matrix, as well as tissue suppleness and firmness. Its concentration in the skin decreases with age, which contributes to loss of hydration and volume.
In injectable form, it is biocompatible and resorbable. It can be degraded with hyaluronidase if a correction is needed. Depending on its form, cross-linked or not, it is used to fill, add volume or hydrate.
Fillers: filling and restoring volume
Fillers contain cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Cross-linking slows down the degradation of the gel and gives it cohesion. Each range comes in several densities, depending on the injection plane and the indication: fine lines, folds, lips, cheekbones, jawline.
Juvéderm Volift is indicated by the manufacturer for moderate to deep wrinkles such as nasolabial folds. It is formulated with lidocaine. Teosyal RHA 2 belongs to Teoxane's RHA range, designed for the dynamic areas of the face.
Skin boosters: hydration and skin quality
Skin boosters use non-cross-linked or lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid, injected in small deposits into the dermis. Their aim is not to fill, but to improve skin hydration, elasticity and radiance.
- Profhilo (IBSA) contains 64 mg of hybrid H-HA/L-HA hyaluronic acid in 2 ml. It is used for skin remodelling of the face and neck.
- Restylane Skinbooster Vital (Galderma) is intended, according to the manufacturer, to improve the hydration and texture of the skin on the face, neck, décolleté and hands.
Mesotherapy: hyaluronic acid in combination
In mesotherapy, free hyaluronic acid is often combined with other active ingredients. Fillmed NCTF 135 HA combines non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid with a polyrevitalising complex of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, coenzymes and nucleic acids.
These protocols generally involve several spaced sessions, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Outside of injections, hyaluronic acid skincare provides surface hydration between sessions.
Choosing the right form
The table below summarises the main product families.
| Family | Form of hyaluronic acid | Aim | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fillers | Cross-linked, various densities | Fill, add volume, define | Juvéderm Volift, Teosyal RHA 2 |
| Skin boosters | Non-cross-linked or lightly cross-linked | Hydrate, improve skin quality | Profhilo, Restylane Skinbooster Vital |
| Mesotherapy | Free, combined with other actives | Revitalise, restore radiance | Fillmed NCTF 135 HA |
| Skincare | Topical | Surface hydration, maintenance | Serums, creams |
Order on Hyashop
These products are available to healthcare professionals on Hyashop, along with the full hyaluronic acid range. Delivery in 48/72 h within Europe. To compare fillers, see our guide to hyaluronic acid fillers.