Hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its ability to keep skin hydrated and improve skin barrier function. However, there are anecdotal reports of people experiencing breakouts after using serums, face creams, and other skincare products containing hyaluronic acid. It is tough to say whether hyaluronic acid is the culprit or another ingredient, like oils. When hyaluronic acid is mixed with other products, it can dry out the skin and could lead to acne. This is because acne sometimes develops when sebum, an oily substance naturally produced by the body to lubricate the skin and hair, and dead skin cells clog up the pores. Once this bacteria reaches the surface, it may trigger the appearance of breakouts. Therefore, hyaluronic acid can cause breakouts in a sort of roundabout way, dependent upon several different factors, like skin type and environment.

Overall, hyaluronic acid is safe for most people to use, and it shows promise as a complementary acne treatment. However, if you have moderate to severe acne, it is worth connecting with a dermatologist before trying out new products. They can also offer guidance on whether hyaluronic acid injections might help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Ultimately, your dermatologist probably won’t recommend hyaluronic acid as a first-line treatment for acne, but it could offer some benefits as part of your regular skincare routine.