Hyaluronic acid during pregnancy: what you need to know

Pregnancy changes your skin in ways that are sometimes unexpected. One of the most common shifts is a change in moisture levels and hyaluronic acid is one of the most well-studied ingredients for addressing exactly that. This article explains what it is, how it works and why it is considered one of the safer ingredients to use throughout pregnancy.

You can also explore how skin changes during pregnancy across each trimester in our Pregnancy Skin Timeline.

Why pregnancy skin often needs more hydration

Hormonal changes during pregnancy alter how well the skin holds moisture, often leaving it feeling drier or less supple than before.¹

The shifting hormonal environment of pregnancy affects the skin's barrier function, influencing how quickly moisture escapes from the skin's surface.¹ Some women experience a temporary glow driven by increased blood circulation, while others notice tightness, sensitivity or a sense that their usual moisturiser no longer does quite enough. The skin also produces less hyaluronic acid naturally as we age, and the physiological demands of pregnancy can compound that shift.² For many women, this means needing more targeted hydration support than they did before. A dedicated hydrating serum, rather than simply applying more moisturiser, tends to be more effective at restoring what the skin has lost.

What hyaluronic acid actually does for your skin

How it works

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule found throughout the body, with more than half of the body's total supply present in the skin.²

It belongs to a class of compounds responsible for holding structure and moisture within tissue. What makes hyaluronic acid particularly effective is its extraordinary water-binding capacity: it can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water.² In the skin, it sits within both the deeper layers and the outer layers, drawing water in and holding it there. This keeps the skin plump, supple and able to function as an effective barrier. When natural levels decline through age or physiological change, topical hyaluronic acid helps restore that capacity.

What it does when applied topically

Topical hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin and supports the barrier, working both on the surface and within the outer skin layers.

The size of the molecule determines where it works. Larger hyaluronic acid molecules form a moisture-retaining film on the skin's surface, reducing evaporation. Smaller molecules can penetrate more deeply into the outer skin layers, improving hydration where it counts most.³ Well-formulated serums often combine both for a layered effect. Importantly, neither molecule size results in meaningful absorption through the skin and into the body. The molecule is too large and too attracted to water to cross the skin barrier, which is why it remains at or near the skin's surface after application.⁴

Is hyaluronic acid safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid is widely considered appropriate for use throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding.¹˒⁴˒⁵

It is a molecule the body produces naturally and topical application does not result in meaningful systemic absorption.⁴ Systematic reviews of topical products used during pregnancy consistently list hyaluronic acid among those considered safe throughout all trimesters.¹ There are no known adverse effects associated with the topical use of hyaluronic acid in pregnancy based on current evidence. It is one of the few skincare ingredients that requires no adjustment to your routine when pregnant.

How to use it in your pregnancy skincare routine

Apply hyaluronic acid to clean, damp skin before moisturising, morning and evening.
The key is moisture: hyaluronic acid needs water to bind to, so apply it while your skin is still slightly damp after cleansing. Follow immediately with your moisturiser during pregnancy to seal the hydration in. Skipping this step, or applying in a very dry environment, can have the opposite effect, as the molecule may draw moisture from within the skin rather than from the air around it. A small amount is all you need: two or three drops of serum covers the full face. Pair it with nātelle's Barrier Repair Cream for sustained hydration that supports the skin barrier through each trimester.

You can also explore the complete Pregnancy Skincare Guide for ingredient guidance across every stage of pregnancy.

This article is intended as general educational information and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or dermatologist before making changes to your skincare routine during pregnancy.