Disclaimer

This guide provides general information for adults (18+) only on the non-prescription, cosmetic-class use of topical hyaluronic acid (HA) ≤ 2%. ^{1 2}

It does not cover diagnosis or treatment of any skin disease and is not a substitute for advice from a GP, dermatologist, or pharmacist. ^{1 13 15}

It excludes children, teenagers, pregnancy, breastfeeding, prescription medicines and Schedule 4 injectable products. ^{1 2}

Always read the label, follow directions for use and seek medical care for persistent, painful, rapidly spreading or systemically associated skin problems. ^{1 13 15}

This document is general information only and does not constitute legal advice or a regulatory determination; clinics should seek specific legal or regulatory advice for borderline products, complex advertising campaigns or enforcement matters.

1. Purpose

This document sets out guidance on safe, evidence-based use of topical hyaluronic acid (HA) and its salts (e.g. sodium hyaluronate) at concentrations ≤ 2% for adult cosmetic skincare in Australia. ^{1 3}

The aim is to support hydration, barrier support and cosmetic fine-line softening while remaining within the cosmetic category under Australian law. ^{1 2 7}

It is intended to be consistent with current TGA cosmetic vs therapeutic guidance, AICIS chemical-introduction rules, AHPRA advertising standards and Australian Consumer Law (ACCC), but does not replace those instruments. ^{1 2 3 5 6 7 8}

2. Scope & Applicability

This guide applies to topical, non-prescription cosmetic products such as serums, creams, gels, lotions and masks containing hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate at ≤ 2% intended for hydration, comfort and improvement in the appearance of skin texture. ^{1 3 10 16}

It is intended for use in adult community settings and cosmetic clinics where medical practitioners or dermal staff give non-therapeutic skincare advice. ^{2 5 6}

It does not apply to injectable hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, Schedule 4 medicines, compounded prescription formulations or devices. ^{1 2}

It also does not apply where products or marketing make therapeutic claims such as "treats eczema", "treats dermatitis" or "heals scars", which may trigger TGA therapeutic regulation. ^{1 2 7 8}

3. Legal & Regulatory Framework (Australia)

3.1 TGA – Cosmetic vs Therapeutic Goods

The TGA determines whether a product is a cosmetic or therapeutic good based on its ingredients, claims and overall presentation. ^{1 2}

Products that only claim to cleanse, perfume, change appearance or maintain skin in good condition are usually cosmetics, provided they make no disease or treatment claims. ¹

If a hyaluronic acid product claims to treat or prevent a disease, or uses actives in therapeutic strengths, it may be a therapeutic good and require ARTG inclusion and full regulatory oversight. ^{1 2}

3.2 AICIS – Cosmetic Ingredient Regulation

Most skincare ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, are regulated as industrial chemicals under AICIS. ^{3 4}

Importers and manufacturers must categorise their introduction and comply with the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 and Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules 2019. ^{3 4}

Hyaluronic acid used in typical cosmetic concentrations in leave-on products is generally introduced within cosmetic categories, provided volume, hazard and exposure criteria are met. ^{3 4}

3.3 AHPRA – Advertising of Regulated Health Services

Clinics run by registered health practitioners must comply with AHPRA advertising guidelines. ⁵

Claims must not be false, misleading, deceptive or create unreasonable expectations of treatment success or permanent change. ^{5 6}

Cosmetic-procedure advertising guidance also flags risks of overreliance on before-and-after photos, testimonials and "miracle" language in aesthetics. ⁶

3.4 ACCC – Australian Consumer Law

Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), all skincare advertising must avoid misleading or deceptive conduct and must be substantiated. ^{7 8}

Claims such as "clinically proven" or "dermatologist recommended" require adequate evidence and must not exaggerate benefits beyond what the data supports. ^{7 8}

These requirements apply equally to website copy, social media posts, clinic materials and influencer arrangements. ^{7 8}

4. Mechanism of Action (Skin Science)

Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan naturally present in human dermis and extracellular matrix, with an exceptional capacity to bind large volumes of water. ^{9 10}

Its hygroscopic properties underpin its role as a key molecule in skin moisture and turgor, with natural levels declining with age and photodamage. ^{9 10}

When used topically, hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate form a hydrating film on the stratum corneum that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and smooths skin micro-relief. ^{9 10 12}

Different molecular weights provide different functional profiles: high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid gives surface hydration and soothing, while lower molecular weights can penetrate further for more pronounced plumping and elasticity effects. ^{9 10 16}

Clinical studies of topical hyaluronic acid formulations show improved corneometry readings, elasticity indices and visible reduction in fine lines after regular use over several weeks. ^{10 11}

These benefits are cosmetic and reversible; they do not equate to structural correction of disease processes or scarring. ^{9 11}

5. Indications & Patient Selection

Topical hyaluronic acid ≤ 2% is suitable for adults (≥18 years) seeking improved comfort, hydration and smoother skin appearance without a medical diagnosis. ^{11 13}

It can be used across all Fitzpatrick skin types, including dry, sensitive and mature skin, when the epidermis is intact and not actively inflamed or infected. ^{13 15}

It should be used with caution or avoided on broken, weeping, ulcerated, infected or severely inflamed skin, where medical review is more appropriate. ^{13 15}

Patients with a history of contact allergy to skincare ingredients should patch-test new hyaluronic acid products on a small area for several days before full-face use. ^{13 14}

This guide intentionally excludes pregnancy, breastfeeding and paediatric populations; these cohorts should follow individualised medical advice. ^{1 13}

6. Formulations & Concentrations

Commercial hyaluronic acid products frequently use blends of molecular weights and derivatives to balance feel and efficacy. ^{9 10 16}

High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid predominately hydrates the skin surface, while low-molecular-weight and oligo-hyaluronic acid can penetrate further but may be more reactive if overused. ^{9 10 16}

Sodium hyaluronate is the most common cosmetic form due to better stability and solubility compared with native hyaluronic acid. ^{10 16}

Leave-on facial products typically contain hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate in the range of approximately 0.1–2%, with higher concentrations often giving more tackiness rather than proportionally greater clinical benefit. ^{10 11 16}

Combining hyaluronic acid with other ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, panthenol or antioxidants can further support barrier function and cosmetic outcome. ^{12 16 17}

7. Application Protocol (Adult, Non-Prescription Use)

A sensible general routine for adults using hyaluronic acid as part of non-prescription skincare is:

Cleanse: Use a non-soap, low-irritant cleanser to avoid stripping barrier lipids and exacerbating dryness. ^{13 14 15} Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat skin dry, leaving a slight film of surface moisture. ^{13 15}

Apply hyaluronic acid: Apply a thin layer of hyaluronic acid serum, gel or lotion (for example 1–2 pumps or a few drops) to the face and neck, avoiding the eyelid margin and mucous membranes. ^{10 11} Application to slightly damp skin helps hyaluronic acid bind environmental and stratum-corneum water, reducing the chance of a tight sensation. ^{10 12}

Seal with moisturiser: Follow promptly with a moisturiser or barrier cream containing emollients and/or occlusives to lock in hydration and support barrier repair. ^{12 13 14} For very dry or eczematous-prone skin under medical care, hyaluronic acid is adjunctive to — not a replacement for — regular emollient use. ^{13 14 15}

Sun protection: Use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ on exposed areas daily as part of routine sun protection in Australia. ^{6 15} Hyaluronic acid itself is not photosensitising, but hydrated skin still needs UV protection to reduce photoageing and skin cancer risk. ^{6 9}

Layering with actives: Hyaluronic acid generally layers well with retinoids, vitamin C and niacinamide; using hyaluronic acid before or after actives can help offset dryness and improve cosmetic tolerance. ^{10 13 17} In sensitive skin, it is prudent to avoid stacking hyaluronic acid directly over strong acids or highly alcoholic toners in one step, as cumulative irritation may occur. ^{13 17}

8. Expected Outcomes

Most users notice improved comfort and softness within minutes to days, reflecting rapid hydration effects on the stratum corneum. ^{10 11}

Over 1–2 weeks, the skin often appears smoother and more supple as surface fine lines from dryness become less apparent. ^{10 11 17}

Clinical data show that consistent use of hyaluronic acid serums over 4–8 weeks can significantly increase skin hydration measures and improve elasticity and fine-line appearance compared with baseline. ^{10 11}

Outcomes are maintenance-dependent: if hyaluronic acid-containing products are stopped, measures of hydration and texture gradually return toward pre-treatment levels. ^{9 11}

9. Adverse Effects & Management

Topical hyaluronic acid is generally well tolerated, with most adverse events being mild and related to vehicle excipients, preservatives or fragrance rather than hyaluronic acid itself. ^{13 14 17}

Common minor complaints include a temporary feeling of tightness or tackiness if hyaluronic acid is applied neat and allowed to dry without a moisturiser on top. ^{10 14}

Management usually involves applying hyaluronic acid over damp skin, reducing the amount used and ensuring a moisturiser is applied promptly over the top. ^{12 14}

In barrier-impaired or highly sensitive skin, hyaluronic acid products formulated with fragrance, alcohol or multiple actives can trigger stinging or erythema. ^{13 14 17}

Rarely, patients may develop irritant or allergic contact dermatitis to a hyaluronic acid formulation, presenting with persistent redness, itch, burning or scaling. ^{13 14}

In such cases, the product should be stopped, recorded as a suspected adverse reaction and, if symptoms persist, the patient should be referred to their GP or dermatologist. ^{13 15}

Hyaluronic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, but should always be paired with appropriate sun protection for cosmetic and health reasons in the Australian environment. ^{6 9}

10. Storage & Quality Considerations

Hyaluronic acid products should be stored according to the manufacturer’s label, commonly below 25–30°C and away from direct sunlight or heat sources. ^{7 8}

Exposure to heat or contamination can cause changes in viscosity, colour, odour or performance, warranting disposal of the product. ^{7 8}

Clinics should maintain a batch and expiry log, use first-in-first-out (FIFO) rotation, and avoid decanting or refilling containers unless this is done under controlled, hygienic and correctly labelled conditions. ^{3 4 5}

11. Advertising & Labelling – Safe Claim Framework

For a non-prescription hyaluronic acid cosmetic, acceptable appearance-based claims (assuming internal evidence is held) include phrases such as: "Hydrates the skin and improves the look of dryness" or "Helps skin feel smoother and look more supple with regular use." ^{1 7 8}

Such wording stays within cosmetic territory by describing appearance and sensory benefits, not treatment of disease. ^{1 2 7}

High-risk or likely unacceptable claims for a non-therapeutic cosmetic include: "Treats eczema", "heals dermatitis", "regenerates damaged tissue" or "repairs joint cartilage." ^{1 2 7 8}

Under AHPRA and the ACL, advertising must not mislead, must not guarantee outcomes and must not imply that a cosmetic-class hyaluronic acid product is equivalent to a therapeutic intervention. ^{5 6 7 8}

Minimum labelling should include wording such as "External use only", "Avoid contact with eyes and broken skin", and "Discontinue use and seek advice if irritation persists." ^{7 13 18}

12. Roles & Responsibilities (Clinic Context)

Medical Director / Responsible Practitioner: The Medical Director approves the clinic’s hyaluronic acid product range and reviews its alignment with TGA/AICIS/ACL boundaries and evidence. ^{1 3 5 7}

They also review documented adverse reactions and update guidance or product selections when safety or regulatory issues emerge. ^{5 13 15}

Clinic Manager / Compliance Lead: The Clinic Manager ensures suppliers are AICIS-compliant, maintains the product register and SDS library, and oversees batch, expiry and stock rotation processes. ^{3 4 5}

They also coordinate implementation of advertising standards across website, social media and in-clinic collateral. ^{5 7 8}

Therapists / Clinical Staff: Staff provide evidence-aligned, non-therapeutic counselling on hyaluronic acid use and general skincare, staying within scope and avoiding disease-treatment advice. ^{5 13}

They document product recommendations and any reported adverse effects in the clinical record and escalate concerns appropriately. ^{13 15}

13. Audit & Review

A simple governance structure for hyaluronic acid and similar cosmetic-class skincare might include:

Annual: Review product list, ingredients, claims, supplier status and regulatory changes relevant to cosmetics. ^{1 3 5}

Quarterly: Check batch records, expiry dates, SDS currency and a sample of clinical records for documentation quality. ^{3 4 5}

Biennial (every 24 months): Provide staff education on cosmetic vs therapeutic boundaries, AHPRA/ACL advertising rules and updated evidence on topical hyaluronic acid and moisturisers. ^{2 5 7 13 14}

14. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is hyaluronic acid safe for most adults?

Topical hyaluronic acid is widely used and is generally considered low-risk when used in cosmetic formulations as directed. ^{9 10 13}

Most reactions are due to fragrances, preservatives or other components rather than hyaluronic acid itself, so patch-testing new products on a small area is sensible, especially in sensitive skin. ^{13 14}

Q2. Will hyaluronic acid fix my eczema or dermatitis?

No. Hyaluronic acid is a cosmetic hydrator, not a treatment for eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis. ^{1 13 15}

People with chronic inflammatory skin disease should follow their doctor’s plan, using medical emollients and treatments as prescribed, and only adding hyaluronic acid products if this fits with that plan. ^{13 15}

Q3. How often should I use a hyaluronic acid serum?

Most adults can use hyaluronic acid once or twice daily as part of a regular skincare routine. ^{10 11 13}

Evidence suggests that steady, ongoing use matters more than very frequent reapplication on one day, with improvements in hydration and texture seen over weeks. ^{10 11}

Q4. Do I still need a moisturiser if I use hyaluronic acid?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid draws and holds water, but a separate moisturiser provides lipids and occlusives that seal this water into the skin and repair the barrier. ^{12 13 14}

Guidelines for xerosis emphasise frequent moisturiser use as the backbone of care, with humectant ingredients such as hyaluronic acid acting as helpful adjuncts. ^{13 14 15}

Q5. Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol or vitamin C?

In most adults, yes: hyaluronic acid is commonly combined with retinoids and vitamin C to offset dryness and improve comfort. ^{10 13 17}

If irritation occurs, simplifying the regimen and re-introducing actives slowly while maintaining a good moisturiser base is usually more effective than adding more products. ^{13 14}

Q6. My skin feels tighter after hyaluronic acid – is that bad?

Not necessarily. A tight feeling often reflects hyaluronic acid drying on the surface without enough moisture or emollient on top. ^{10 12 14}

Applying hyaluronic acid on damp skin and sealing quickly with moisturiser usually removes this issue; if redness, burning or itch persists, the product should be stopped and, if needed, assessed medically. ^{13 14}

Q7. Is a higher percentage (2%) always better than 0.5–1%?

No. Above a certain concentration, higher hyaluronic acid levels mainly increase stickiness rather than delivering proportionally better cosmetic results. ^{10 11 16}

Well-designed studies show hydration and fine-line improvements at modest hyaluronic acid concentrations in balanced formulations, so formulation quality and routine matter more than chasing maximum percentage. ^{10 11 16}

Q8. Can hyaluronic acid be used after laser or chemical peels?

Often yes, once the skin surface is intact and not weeping, as part of post-procedure care guided by the treating practitioner. ^{11 13 15}

In post-procedure regimens, bland emollients and strict sun protection remain primary, with hyaluronic acid added for comfort and cosmetic hydration where tolerated. ^{11 13 15}

Q9. Does hyaluronic acid increase sun sensitivity?

No. Hyaluronic acid is not an exfoliant and does not increase photosensitivity. ^{9 10}

However, Australian guidelines emphasise daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+, hats and shade as standard because UV radiation remains the dominant driver of photoageing and skin cancer regardless of skincare use. ^{6 15}

Q10. Do more expensive hyaluronic acid serums work better?

Not automatically. Dermatology and consumer resources consistently note that higher price does not guarantee better clinical performance. ^{14 18 19}

Simple, fragrance-reduced, well-formulated hyaluronic acid products from reputable brands, used correctly and consistently, can perform as well or better than very expensive alternatives. ^{13 14 18 19}

Sources

1. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2024, Determining if your product is a cosmetic or therapeutic good, Australian Government. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/guidance/determining-if-your-product-cosmetic-or-therapeutic-good ↩
2. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2024, Cosmetics and therapeutic goods: Guidance for advertisers and suppliers, Australian Government. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-06/cosmetics-therapeutic-goods-guidance-for-advertisers-suppliers.pdf ↩
3. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) 2025, Personal care, skincare, make-up and other cosmetic products, Australian Government. Available at: https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/cosmetics-and-soap/personal-care-skincare-make-and-other-cosmetic-products ↩
4. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) 2024, Categorisation of chemicals in cosmetics, Australian Government. Available at: https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/help-and-guides/extra-resources-help-you-categorise-your-introduction/categorisation-chemicals-cosmetics ↩
5. Ahpra 2024, Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Available at: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Advertising-hub/Advertising-guidelines-and-other-guidance/Advertising-guidelines.aspx ↩
6. Ahpra & Medical Board of Australia 2023, Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who advertise cosmetic surgery, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Available at: https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Guidelines-for-registered-medical-practitioners-who-advertise-cosmetic-surgery.aspx ↩
7. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) 2021, A guide to advertising and selling for business, Australian Government. Available at: https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Advertising%20and%20selling%20guide%20-%20July%202021.pdf ↩
8. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) 2025, Advertising and promotions, Australian Government. Available at: https://www.accc.gov.au/business/advertising-and-promotions ↩
9. Papakonstantinou, E, Roth, M & Karakiulakis, G 2012, Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging, Dermato-Endocrinology, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 253–258. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23467280/ ↩
10. Bukhari, SNA, Roswandi, NL, Waqas, M et al. 2018, Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: a review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations, Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30287361/ ↩
11. Draelos, ZD 2021, Efficacy evaluation of a topical hyaluronic acid serum in facial photoaging, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. 14, pp. 1325–1332. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176098/ ↩
12. Rawlings, AV 2004, Moisturization and skin barrier function, Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, vol. 17, no. 6, pp. 253–267. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14728698/ ↩
13. Harwood, A & co-authors 2024, Moisturizers, StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/ ↩
14. Mawazi, SM, Hannan, MA & co-authors 2022, A review of moisturizers: history, preparation and classification, Cosmetics, vol. 9, no. 3, article 61. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/9/3/61 ↩
15. Australasian College of Dermatologists 2017, Xerosis (dry skin), A-Z of Skin, ACD, Sydney. Available at: https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/xerosis/ ↩
16. Juncan, AM, Moisă, DG, Santini, A et al. 2021, Advantages of hyaluronic acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients in cosmeceuticals, Molecules, vol. 26, no. 15, 4429. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/15/4429 ↩
17. Romanowitz, D 2024, Evaluation of antioxidants’ ability to enhance hyaluronic acid formulations, SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, vol. 8, no. 5. Available at: https://skin.dermsquared.com/skin/article/view/2554 ↩
18. ABC Health & Wellbeing 2018, Moisturiser and dry skin: what works and what you need to know, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2018-03-06/what-you-need-to-know-about-moisturiser/9512528 ↩
19. Sky Blue Dermatology 2014, Choosing a skin moisturiser, Sydney, NSW. Available at: https://www.skyblue.com.au/choosing-a-skin-moisturiser/ ↩