The 7 Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplements of 2024 for more Healthy Joints and Skin

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For centuries, people have sought the fountain of youth in nature. Science says it’s been in your body all along—in your eyes, skin and joints. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a disaccharide polymer that can retain many times its own weight in water, which helps keep the tissues in your body hydrated and lubricated. It’s become central to many medical procedures—where injections of HA are used to treat dry eye and joint pain caused by osteoarthritis—as well as cosmetics treatments, as a topical hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

“Hyaluronic acid helps to protect the skin from damage caused by the sun, pollution and other environmental factors,” says Kathryn Piper, RDN, LD. “It also speeds up wound healing by providing moisture and nutrients to the wound.”

These days, it’s easy to find hyaluronic acid in a variety of oral forms from retailers that sell nutritional supplements. With so many new hyaluronic acid products on the market, how can you know which is the best hyaluronic acid supplement for you? Our expert team at Sports Illustrated Showcase reviewed dietary supplements containing this hydrating molecule from some of the top nutritional companies. Here’s our top picks of the best hyaluronic acid supplements.

Our Picks for Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplement

• Best Oral Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Hum Collagen Love
• Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplement for Joint Pain: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced
• Best Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Hyaluronic Glow Gummies
• Best Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen
• Best Rated Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Olly Beauty Softgels
• Best Liquid Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Moon Juice Collagen Protect
• Best Affordable Hyaluronic Acid Supplement Olly Glowing Skin

Best Oral Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Hum Collagen Love

Key features & specs

• Type: Capsules
• Serving size: Three capsules
• Percent of daily value: NA
• Hyaluronic acid per serving: Not specified
• Nutrition facts: Vitamin C 50 milligrams
• Flavors: NA
• Certifications: Gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, independent testing by Clean Label Project
• Subscription: NA
• Key ingredients: Collagen Peptide Hydro-Matrix blend (600 milligrams); Skin Support & Protection Blend (450 milligrams), including chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, red wine extract, grape seed extract
• Sweeteners: NA
• Best for: Anti-aging, gluten sensitive
• Price per serving: $1.33

HUM is a dietary supplement maker that’s all about making people feel better about themselves. HUM is always coming up with new products with verified clean ingredients—which it triple-ensures through independent testing with the Clean Label Project which checks for environmental contaminants and harmful chemicals. HUM’s Collagen Love hyaluronic acid capsules are a gigantic kiss on your cheek.

Collagen Love is jam-packed with the company’s proprietary blends—Collagen Peptide Hydro-Matrix, which includes collagen types I and III (sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised beef) for improved skin health, strength and elasticity, and Skin Support & Protection, which includes a dose of hyaluronic acid to help boost skin moisture from the inside out. Then HUM adds a jolt of vitamin C to help support the skin’s collagen production and shield the skin from sun, stress, pollution and free radicals. Put that all together and you get our top pick for the best hyaluronic acid supplement.

Just pop three capsules in your mouth daily and swallow down with water or your morning coffee. Customers say they love the convenience of hyaluronic acid capsules and see improvements in their skin in as little as six weeks.

Pros:

• Triple-tested by third-party labs
• Contains vitamin C
• Products are made in GMP-certified facilities

Cons:

• Amount of hyaluronic acid not listed
• Not a certified vegan or vegetarian capsule

For more information, check out our in-depth review of HUM Nutrition.

Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplement for Joint Pain: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Key features & specs

• Type: Powder
• Serving size: Four tablespoons
• Percent of daily value: N/A
• Hyaluronic acid per serving: 80 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: 70 calories, 18 grams protein, 90 milligrams vitamin C, 110 milligrams sodium
• Flavors: Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla, Lemon
• Certifications: Kosher, Whole30 Approved, dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly
• Subscription: 15% off, can chose delivery every one to eight weeks
• Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen (20 grams), hyaluronic acid (80 grams)
• Sweeteners: N/A
• Best for: Joint pain, wellness
• Price per serving: $2.12

Vital Proteins was founded 10 years ago on the belief that collagen supplementation, in addition to a healthy diet and exercise regime, is fundamental to support healthy skin, hair, nails, bones and joints. The company’s Collagen Peptides powder is its top-selling brand. Each two-scoop serving gives you 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen from bovine hide, along with 80 grams of hyaluronic acid, plus a full daily dose of vitamin C. The powder also contains several amino acids including eight of the nine essential ones.

We like Collagen Peptides for people with joint issues because it contains collagen types I and III. Type I isn’t just beauty related, but it is also a major component of the tendons, organs, bones and connective tissue. Type III is generally found in bone fibers. Vitamin C supports the collagen while hyaluronic acid helps keep joints lubricated.

Just add two scoops of the powder to your morning coffee or water. Or, check out the company’s blog for recipes on how to add the powder to your dressings or desserts. One review on the Vital Proteins website said she could see a “drastic improvement” in her skin. “It’s definitely a bit expensive, but I will continue to keep up my daily routine with this product," she wrote.

For more information, check out our in-depth review of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.

Pros:

• Special focus on joint health
• Full daily value of vitamin C
• Loaded with essential amino acids

Cons:

• Pricey compared to other types of HA supplements
• Sodium may be unnecessary

Best Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Hyaluronic Glow Gummies

Key features & specs

• Type: Gummies
• Serving size: Two gummies
• Percent of daily value: NA
• Hyaluronic acid per serving: 120 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: 20 calories, four grams carbs, two grams sugar, 90 milligrams vitamin C, 15 grams vitamin E
• Flavors: Tangerine
• Certifications: Vegan, gluten-free, free of most allergens, third-party testing by Clean Label Project
• Subscription: NA
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C & E, alma fruit
• Sweeteners: Evaporated cane juice, tapioca syrup, natural orange flavor
• Best for: Vegans, allergy-prone
• Price per serving: $0.86

Always on the hunt for clean and beneficial supplements for all, HUM created plant-based Hyaluronic Glow (formerly Glow Sweet Glow) to give vegans and those with allergen-sensitive diets the same benefits of hyaluronic acid in a tasty gummy. Each serving of the tangerine-flavored Glow Sweet Glow is also soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, milk-free, fish-free and free of artificial color or flavors. HUM also triple-tests its foods for safety and purity.

Just two gummies daily, with food or without, gives you a full dose of hyaluronic acid to help promote moisture in the skin. Vitamin C is added to stimulate collagen growth. The gummies also contain amla fruit, also known as Indian gooseberry, which also supports the production of collagen and may also help protect skin cells from radical damage.

Reviews on the HUM website say that Hyaluronic Glow certainly lives up to its name. “My skin is already glowing and looks more fresh,” wrote one customer. And, at 86 cents per serving, it’s a great deal as well.

Pros:

• Independent testing by Clean Label Project
• Reasonably priced
• Low in calories

Cons:

• No subscription available
• Only available in one flavor

Best Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen

Key features & specs

• Type: Powder
• Serving size: One packet (16 grams)
• Percent of daily value: N/A
• Hyaluronic acid per serving: 120 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: 60 calories, three grams carbs, two grams sugar, 11 grams protein, 55 milligrams sodium
• Flavors: Strawberry Lemon, Lavender Lemon, Tropical Hibiscus
• Certifications: No artificial sweeteners
• Subscription: 15 percent off, option for delivery every one through eight weeks
• Key ingredients: Collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, Bacillus coagulans
• Sweeteners: organic agave insulin, organic lemon juice power
• Best for: Improved complexion, those who prefer a flavored collagen powder
• Price per serving: $2.64

Vital Proteins followed up its best-selling Collagen Peptides powder with Beauty Collagen. It combines the skin elasticity and firmness benefits of collagen with the hydration power of hyaluronic acid to improve complexion and help you feel more beautiful inside and out.

Unlike Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides which only comes in an unflavored powder, Beauty Collagen comes in three flavors. One packet (or one to two scoops) turns teas or water into a refreshing beverage. Another active ingredient in Beauty Collagen is Bacillus coagulans, a “good bacteria” that may ease constipation and other gastrointestinal symptoms as well as stimulate the immune system.

The powder is a bit more expensive than others, but one customers on the Vital Proteins website said “the taste and effects on my skin are worth the buy.” Another says, “my skin has turned around despite increasing stress in my life. There are a lot of supplements that could accomplish that but none also manage my joint pain and help with the recovery.”

Pros:

• Combines collagen with hyaluronic acid
• Comes in three flavors
• “Good bacteria” may help sooth GI discomfort

Cons:

• Pricey
• Adds calories to diet

Best Rated Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Olly Beauty Softgels

Key features & specs

• Type: Softgels
• Serving size: One softgel
• Percent of daily value: NA
• Hyaluronic acid per serving: 120 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: 5,000 milligrams biotin, five milligrams sodium
• Flavors: N/A
• Certifications: Third-party testing by NSF
• Subscription: 15 percent, delivery every one to three months
• Key ingredients: Biotin, hyaluronic acid, collagen peptides, olive extract
• Sweeteners: NA
• Best for: Youthful appearance, stronger nails
• Price per serving: $0.66

Olly is all about happiness, which the nutritional supplement company believes the foundation of which is good health. The company offers a line of supplements that target everything from stress, insomnia and cravings to sleep, bloating and women’s “Happy Hoo-Ha” health. Olly’s Beauty Softgels get to the core of what most people want—beauty inside and out.

Beauty Softgels is packed with a blend of hyaluronic acid and collagen peptides, along with biotin and olive leaf extract. Biotin is a B vitamin that is believed to improve the health of hair, nails and skin. One dose of Olly packs a whopping 5000 to 1667 percent of your daily value. Olive leaf extract is a plant-powered antioxidant support for radiant skin.

It’s no surprise Olly’s Beauty Softgels are so highly rated. Customers on the Olly wesbite cannot say enough great things about them. “I absolutely love this stuff, and I tell everyone about it,” says one customer. “I highly recommend this product.”

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Third-party testing
• Softgels are easier to swallow and digest

Cons:

• High levels of biotin may cause insomnia, acne, or GI distress
• Some customers say the softgel is too large

Best Liquid Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Moon Juice Collagen Protect

Key features & specs

• Type: Powder creamer
• Serving size: One rounded tablespoon
• Percent of daily value: N/A
• Hyaluronic acid per serving: 120 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: 40 calories, two grams fat, five grams carbs, zero sugar, eight milligrams sodium, 170 milligrams potassium, 24 micrograms vitamin D
• Flavors: NA
• Certifications: vegan
• Subscription: 10% savings, monthly shipping
• Key ingredients: High molecular weight hyaluronic acid, silver ear mushrooms, tocotrienols (rice bran soluble)
• Sweeteners: NA
• Best for: Anti-aging effects, restore collagen
• Price per serving: $2

Amanda Chantal Bacon founded Moon Juice shortly after she began researching how she could change her lifestyle and diet to put an autoimmune condition into remission. The formulations she identified led to “radical changes in my blood and hormone panels.”

Moon Juice offers a variety of dietary supplements. The Collagen Protect is one of a handful of Moon Juice products that combines two anti-aging favorites—collagen with hyaluronic acid. But it also contains two other ingredients known for their youth-giving properties. Tremella fuciformis sporocarp, also known as silver ear mushrooms, support the skin barrier and promote deep skin hydration. Tocotrienols, also known as rice bran soluble, contains essential fatty and amino acids to help protect collagen and prevent visible signs of aging.

Collagen Protect is formulated to be added to your coffee or smoothie as a vegan creamer. Consumers who have tried it swear by it. “I add this to my coffee or tea,” says one user. “It makes all the difference in the taste without extra calories of nut milks. Best of all, it helps keep me satisfied and evenly balance to get my day started at 4:30 a.m.”

Pros:

• 100 percent traceable ingredients
• Includes four anti-aging ingredients
• Moon Juice is committed to regenerative practices, wild-harvesting sustainability, and equitable partnerships with farmers

Cons:

• Pricey
• May clump when added to liquids

Best Affordable Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Olly Glowing Skin

Key features & specs

• Type: Gummies
• Serving size: Two
• Percent of daily value: N/A
• Hyaluronic acid per serving: 120 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: 25 calories, four grams carb, three grams sugar
• Flavors: Plump Berry
• Certifications: Third-party testing by NSF
• Subscription: 15 percent, delivery every one to three months
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen peptides, organic sea buckthorn
• Sweeteners: Glucose syrup, beet sugar
• Best for: Youthful glow, hydration
• Price per serving: $0.55

Olly is made up of health enthusiasts who are focused on improving wellness and foodies with a passion for curating new flavors. We love Olly’s Glowing Skin Plumb Berry-flavored gummy vitamins because it is packed with a lot of goodness for just 55 cents per serving.

Two Glowing Skin gummies contain skin hydrating hyaluronic acid along with skin elasticity-boosting collagen peptides, then throw in organic sea buckthorn for good measure. If you’re not familiar with sea buckthorn, it’s a superfood that’s been used for centuries to help nourish and revitalize the skin.

Customers rave about the light berry flavor with no aftertaste, and some swear they’ve started noticing a difference in their skin health in just two weeks.

Pros:

• Inexpensive—a great value
• Tasty light berry flavor, with no aftertaste
• Low in calories

Cons:

• Only one flavor available
• Sea buckthorn may cause dizziness in some people

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule found in the body, primarily in the skin, eyes and joints. It is a type of glycosaminoglycan, a complex carbohydrate that helps to lubricate and cushion joints, and it plays a critical role in maintaining skin hydration and overall skin health.

In the skin, hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant, which means it helps to attract and retain moisture, keeping the skin plump and hydrated. As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases, which can lead to a loss of moisture and firmness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Many health and beauty companies have begun using hyaluronic acid in skincare products as a key ingredient to help improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. As an injection, hyaluronic acid is used to help lubricate and cushion painful or stiff joints.

Benefits of a Hyaluronic Acid Supplement

Hyaluronic acid supplements are marketed as a way to support healthy skin, joints and overall wellness. Hyaluronic acid supplements are touted for offering benefits, such as:

Promoting skin hydration

Oral hyaluronic acid supplements can help boost the levels of hyaluronic acid in the body, which can in turn support skin hydration and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One recent study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that hyaluronic acid supplements may prevent moisture loss from aging, ultraviolet radiation, tobacco smoke and pollution.

Improving joint health

Hyaluronic acid is a key component of joint fluid and cartilage, and taking a supplement may help improve joint mobility and reduce joint pain. A study in the Nutrition Journal found that regular dosing of hyaluronic acid supplements over at least two months significantly reduced osteoarthritis-related knee pain.

Supporting bone health

Some studies, including one published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, suggest that hyaluronic acid may play a role in supporting bone health by promoting the growth of new bone cells.

Providing relief from dry eye

Hyaluronic acid was actually first discovered in the human eye, and has been found to be an effective treatment for dry eye. Hyaluronic acid-containing eye drops are often used in eye surgeries to keep the eye moisturized, according to a review in the Annals of Palliative Medicine.

Taming acid reflux

Acid reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus. A recent study published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that taking supplements containing hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate along with acid-reducing medications reduced reflux symptoms better than acid-reducing medication alone.

Precautions

Hyaluronic acid supplements are generally considered safe for most people when taken as directed. However, there are a few potential concerns to be aware of, such as:

• Interactions with medications: Hyaluronic acid may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking an HA supplement if you are taking any medications.
• Digestive issues: Some people may experience digestive issues such as bloating or diarrhea when taking a hyaluronic acid supplement.
• Unknown long-term effects: There is limited research on the long-term effects of taking hyaluronic acid supplements and it is unclear if there are any potential risks associated with long-term use.

If you are considering taking a hyaluronic acid supplement, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to discuss any potential concerns or interactions with medications you may be taking. It’s also important to follow the recommended dosage instructions and to purchase supplements from a reputable source.

How to Choose the Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplements for You

When choosing a hyaluronic acid supplement, there are a few things to consider:

• Quality: Look for a supplement from a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients and has undergone third-party testing for purity and potency.
• Dosage: Check the dosage per serving and follow the recommended dosage instructions. The optimal dosage of hyaluronic acid supplements can vary depending on the product, so it is important to read the label carefully
• Form: Hyaluronic acid supplements come in different forms, including capsules, tablets and powders. Choose a form that is convenient for you and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
• Additional ingredients: Some hyaluronic acid supplements may contain additional ingredients, such as vitamins or minerals, that may provide additional health benefits.
• Price: Compare prices of different products to ensure that you are getting good value for your money.
• Reviews: Look for reviews from other users to see their experiences with the product.

Forms of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements

Hyaluronic acid supplements come in a variety of forms, including:

• Capsules
• Softgels
• Tablets
• Gummies
• Powder
• Liquid

Oral vs. Topical Hyaluronic Acid Supplements

Whether you choose to take an oral hylauronic acid supplement or apply it topically depends on the results you’re trying to achieve, explains Kathryn Piper, RDN, LD. For example, topical HA is better at treating skin issues, such as wrinkles, acne and eczema, while oral HA is more effective for conditions that affect the joints, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

“There is some evidence that oral HA may be beneficial for the skin. However, more research is needed to confirm this. I think we are going to see a lot more on this ‘inside out’ approach to skincare,” Piper said.

What to Avoid in a Hyaluronic Acid Supplement

When selecting a hyaluronic acid supplement, it is important to be aware of certain ingredients or additives that may cause negative side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the supplement. Here are a few things to avoid when choosing a hyaluronic acid supplement:

• Fillers: Some hyaluronic acid supplements may contain fillers or binders that can cause digestive issues, such as bloating or constipation.
• Low concentrations: Some hyaluronic acid supplements may contain low concentrations of hyaluronic acid, which may not be effective. Look for supplements that contain at least 100 milligrams of hyaluronic acid per serving.
• Synthetic or animal-derived hyaluronic acid: Some hyaluronic acid supplements may be made from synthetic or animal-derived sources. Look for supplements that use plant-based hyaluronic acid or are labeled as vegan.
• Added sugars or sweeteners: Some hyaluronic acid supplements may contain added sugars or sweeteners, which can negate the potential benefits of the supplement.

How We Chose the Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplements

We looked at a number of different factors to select the best hyaluronic acid supplements, including expert input, research, ease of digestion, taste, third-party testing, price, online customer reviews, overall quality of ingredients and our own first-hand experience testing these products. There are plenty of hyaluronic acid supplements on the market, but we wanted to see which provided the options with high-quality nutrients.

Who Should Take a Hyaluronic Acid Supplement

Hyaluronic acid supplements may benefit certain populations, including:

• People with joint pain: Hyaluronic acid supplements may help alleviate joint pain by improving joint lubrication and reducing inflammation.
• People with dry skin: Hyaluronic acid supplements may help improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Athletes: Hyaluronic acid supplements may help improve exercise performance and reduce muscle fatigue.
• Older adults: As we age, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid, which can lead to joint pain and reduced skin hydration. Hyaluronic acid supplements may help improve these issues in older adults.
• People with certain medical conditions: Hyaluronic acid supplements may benefit individuals with certain medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, dry eye syndrome or acid reflux.

Of course, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Who Should Not Take a Hyaluronic Acid Supplement?

While hyaluronic acid supplements are generally safe for most people, there are some individuals who may need to exercise caution or avoid taking hyaluronic acid supplements altogether. These include:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: There is limited research on the safety of hyaluronic acid supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid them unless recommended by a healthcare provider.
• People with bleeding disorders: Hyaluronic acid supplements may increase the risk of bleeding, so individuals with bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medications should consult with their healthcare provider before taking hyaluronic acid supplements.
• People with kidney disease: Hyaluronic acid supplements are excreted by the kidneys, so individuals with kidney disease may need to avoid them or take them under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
• People with allergies: While rare, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to some of the fillers or active ingredients in hyaluronic acid supplements. If you have a history of allergies, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider before taking a hyaluronic acid supplement.

Hyaluronic Acid Supplement FAQs

How long does it take for hyaluronic acid supplements to work?

The length of time it takes to see improvements with hyaluronic acid supplements may vary depending on the individual and the specific health concern being addressed. Some people may notice improvements within a few days, while others may take several weeks to see a noticeable difference.

Which is better, retinol or hyaluronic acid?

Retinol and hyaluronic acid offer different benefits and are often used together in skincare regimens. Retinol can help improve the texture and tone of the skin, while hyaluronic acid can help improve hydration and plumpness.

What is a good strength of a hyaluronic acid?

The recommended dosage of hyaluronic acid supplements can vary depending on the specific product and the health concern being addressed. There is no standardized dosage of hyaluronic acid and the optimal dose may vary based on individual needs. However, most hyaluronic acid supplements provide a daily dose of 100 to 200 milligrams. This dosage has been studied in several clinical trials and is generally considered safe for most individuals.

Can I take collagen and a hyaluronic acid together?

Yes, it is safe to take collagen and hyaluronic acid supplements together. In fact, many collagen supplements also contain hyaluronic acid.

Do you need to drink more water when taking a hyaluronic acid supplement?

Yes, it is important to drink plenty of water when taking hyaluronic acid supplements. To maximize the benefits of hyaluronic acid supplements, it is recommended that you drink at least eight to ten glasses of water per day, or more if you are physically active or live in a hot, dry climate. It’s also important to avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, which can dehydrate you and counteract the effects of hyaluronic acid.

Takeaway: Are Hyaluronic Acid Supplements Worth It?

Hyaluronic acid supplements are generally safe and can help improve joint health by lubricating the joints and counter the effects of aging by hydrating the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and giving you a youthful glow. They can also protect the skin from damage caused by the sun, pollution or other factors, and also help speed up wound healing, according to Piper.

They can be especially effective when combined with other ingredients—like collagen. The supplements come in a variety of forms—from capsules and gummies to powders that you can blend into your morning coffee. Finding the best hyaluronic acid supplement for you improves the chances you will stick with the regimen and see the results. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.