I discovered hyaluronic acid supplements, first found in the 1930s, due to my recurring joint pain from a college injury.
Its presence in the human body and uses in medicine and skincare make it a go-to for joint and skin health, and it's even used in veterinary medicine for animal joint disorders.
As a personal trainer, I recommend it for joint recovery. However, due to the market's variety, results vary.
To solve this, I collaborated with nutritionists and evaluators for six months to identify the top hyaluronic acid supplements.
The Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
- Best Overall Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Now Foods
- Cheapest Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Nusa Pure Hyaluronic Acid
- Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplement for Joint Pain: NatureBell
- Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplement for Enhanced Absorption: Toniiq
- Best Stackable Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Jarrow Formulas Hyaluronic Acid
- Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplement for Anti-Aging: Forest Leaf Hyaluronic Acid
- Best High-Dose Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Amazing Formulas Hyaluronic Acid
Our Top Products (April 2024)
1 - Now Foods Hyaluronic Acid (Best Overall)
- Dosage : 100 mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- This oral hyaluronic acid comes as a veggie capsule suitable for vegans
- It’s a regular-strength product favored by people with degenerative joint disease caused
- Positive reviews about the impact on healthy skin moisture
- Added alpha-lipoic acid, L-proline, and grape seed extract to further relieve joint pain
Cons
- The capsule is quite large, so make sure you drink plenty of water with it
Trying New Foods for joint pain was a game-changer for me and others in our test group; we all felt significant relief. It's no surprise it ranks high in efficacy and ingredient quality.
Its premium hyaluronic acid capsules, enriched with ingredients like alpha-lipoic acid, are proven by the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine to reduce joint inflammation [1].
We also found that it may help people who regularly suffer from dry skin to relieve some of that tension.
2 - NatureBell Hyaluronic Acid (Best for Joint Pain)
- Dosage : 250 mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Contains added vitamin C for immune and skin health
- Many women prefer this product for better-hydrated skin
- Positive feedback from athletes who found it helped with joint lubrication
Cons
- Some other added joint health ingredients, like L-proline, would be great
NatureBell's high-dose hyaluronic acid supplement initially made me skeptical, but it delivered impressive results. My joint flexibility increased, and pain decreased, mirroring other testers' experiences.
Women reported it enhanced skin hydration better than typical serums, likely due to its vitamin C content, essential for plump skin as per the Indian Dermatology Online Journal [2].
Athletes also praised its benefits for damaged joints. The only drawback? I wished it included additional ingredients for an even greater effect.
3 - Toniiq Ultra-High Purity Hyaluronic Acid (Best for Enhanced Absorption)
- Dosage : 250 mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Each bottle contains 180 capsules to keep you going for months
- Full dosage is split over two capsules which makes adjusting the dose easier
- The company claims that it’s the most highly purified product for easier absorption
Cons
- It’s more expensive than most other products
Next on our list of best hyaluronic acid supplements is a product from Toniq that comes in capsule form. What I like is that the full dose is split over two capsules to make adjusting the dose to your needs that much easier.
Some of the women in our test group reported a significant increase in skin moisture in addition to joint soreness relief.
However, be mindful of the price; it's higher, likely due to the brand and packaging.
4 - Nusa Pure Hyaluronic Acid (Cheapest Option)
- Dosage : 200 mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A very simple formula that only delivers hyaluronic acid
- Many women have made this part of their beauty regimen for healthier skin
- Recommended by many elderly people with arthritis
Cons
- I found that the capsules were a bit difficult to swallow
Nusa's hyaluronic acid supplement stands out for its simplicity, focusing on a single, high-quality ingredient. This is beneficial for those already taking multiple supplements or medications for joint issues.
Based on comments from our elderly group of testers, it seems to work well for joint lubrication to avoid bone-on-bone pain.
Additionally, many women preferred this supplement for its double hyaluronic acid content at a fair price, especially for skin benefits.
5 - Jarrow Formulas Hyaluronic Acid (Best Stackable)
- Dosage : 120 mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lower dose option for people who may not have significant joint or skin problems
- The hyaluronic acid pills are small and easy to swallow
- Ideal for stacking with other dietary supplements because of the simple formula
Cons
- It’s quite a small bottle, and there don’t seem to be bulk order options
I appreciate streamlined formulas, and Jarrow Formulas' Hyaluronic Acid didn't let me down.
It's great for stacking with other supplements, enhancing athletic performance – a plus for me and other athlete testers.
Its smaller dose is ideal for some, though not optimal for connective tissues.
For those into anti-aging skincare, online reviews recommend giving it a try.
6 - Forest Leaf Hyaluronic Acid (Best for Anti-Aging)
- Dosage : 100 mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Recommended by many female users for anti-aging benefits
- People have reported results within three weeks of starting
- Has some added vitamin C for general health and skin benefits
Cons
- It’s not the right option if you need help with chronic joint inflammation
Forest Leaf ranks high among our hyaluronic acid supplements, offering a lower dosage ideal for minor joint issues or skin plumping.
The added vitamin C may explain why people have reported a positive effect on their skin within just a couple of weeks.
However, upping the dose for arthritis relief could make it pricier than some stronger options.
7 - Amazing Formulas Hyaluronic Acid (Best High-Dose)
- Dosage : 200 mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- This is a strong dose formula designed for people with connective tissue and joint problems
- It comes in a large bottle with a 4-month supply
- Made in the USA with a quality and purity seal
Cons
- The capsules are large, so make sure you get them down with a lot of water
Amazing Formulas' Hyaluronic Acid impressed us with its effectiveness. Test subjects experienced quick relief from joint soreness due to its high dosage.
Online reviews confirm its popularity for this reason.
Its appeal includes a large bottle size, offering a four-month supply, and the assurance of being a made-in-America product with a seal guaranteeing purity and quality.
How We Picked These Products
Our team rigorously selected top hyaluronic acid supplements, prioritizing purity, efficacy, and safety. We ensured these products met high standards.
Purity and Ingredient Quality
We emphasized ingredient purity and quality, understanding that a supplement's effectiveness depends on its components. Through lab tests, we confirmed the authenticity and potency of the hyaluronic acid and checked for harmful additives.
Hyaluronic Acid Concentration
We evaluated the concentration of hyaluronic acid, crucial for various health goals like joint health and skin hydration. Our analysis ensured each product's potency.
Hyaluronic Acid Source
Considering diverse preferences, we included both animal-derived and plant-based options, catering to different needs and values.
Additional Ingredients and Allergens
We examined each supplement for beneficial ingredients and potential allergens, focusing on user safety and enhanced effects.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
Brand reputation and customer feedback were key. We researched brand history and customer satisfaction and analyzed customer reviews for real-world efficacy insights.
Our objective and thorough approach was driven by a commitment to positively impact our readers' health and well-being.
Buyer’s Guide
Before choosing the best hyaluronic acid supplement, consider these key points:
Dosage
Price differences in supplements often reflect dosage, not just fancy branding. Your goal dictates the right dose. For serious joint issues, start with 200 mg or more. For mild anti-aging, 100 mg suffices. You can double up on lower doses if needed.
Capsule Size
Capsule sizes vary with the formula. Smaller ones are preferable, even if it means taking two. Larger capsules, up to 1 inch, can be tough to swallow and can't be split like tablets. Our top picks include notes on capsule sizes.
Other Ingredients
Among the top hyaluronic acid supplements, our favorite includes extra ingredients like a-lipoic acid and L-proline. These are backed by research from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition and Harvard School of Public Health for arthritis and collagen production, respectively [3,4].
Chondroitin sulfate is another great add-on, though less common. For skin benefits, vitamin C is the go-to for boosting elasticity.
“The results of the trial demonstrated that participants taking Altrient C had significantly improved their skin elasticity over the 4-week period of the clinical trial, compared to those taking the placebo.”
- Businesswire.com
Price
Don't sweat the price initially. First, assess the ingredients and dosage. Here's a tip: calculate the cost per mg by multiplying the dosage per pill by the number of pills, then dividing the price by the total mg.
This way, you can compare prices effectively. If a product's pricey, check if extra ingredients justify it; if not, it's likely branding costs.
Environmental Impact
While not crucial, considering a supplement's environmental footprint is smart. Look at the sustainability of ingredients and packaging to make eco-friendly choices.
Why Should You Use Hyaluronic Acid?
You should use hyaluronic acid because it has numerous benefits for the skin and other areas of your health.
Here is a quick summary of what it’s often recommended for:
- Improved skin health
- Faster wound healing
- Support connective tissues in joints
- Reduce acid reflux
If you have any doubts about taking a hyaluronic acid supplement due to significant health issues like severe arthritis, then talk to your doctor first about taking hyaluronic acid. They may be fully in favor of it.
“Hyaluronic acid (HA), the main component of extracellular matrix, is considered one of the key players in the tissue regeneration process. It has been proven to modulate via specific HA receptors, inflammation, cellular migration, and angiogenesis, which are the main phases of wound healing.”
- hmpgloballearningnetwork.com
Possible Side Effects
Oral hyaluronic acid capsules don't have side effects, confirmed by BMC Nutrition Journal studies [5].
The misconception about itching, nausea, and irritation stems from the side effects of injections, not capsules. Always consult a doctor before considering injections. In my experience, even clients with arthritis taking high doses haven't reported side effects.
FAQs
Is It Good to Take Hyaluronic Acid Orally?
Yes, it is good to take hyaluronic acid orally. It’s the only way to experience its benefits on the joints without injections. It can also rejuvenate your skin from the inside.
Is It Better to Take Collagen or Hyaluronic Acid?
It’s better to take hyaluronic acid and collagen together if you have severe joint issues. Both of these substances may help contribute to the development of connective tissue like cartilage, so using them together is bound to deliver more favorable results.
How Many Milligrams of Hyaluronic Acid Should You Take a Day?
You should take about 200 mg of hyaluronic acid a day. This is already a good dose for anyone looking to relieve their painful joints.
But if you just want to rehydrate and plump up your skin, a lower dose of 100 mg should work.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Bad for Your Liver?
No, hyaluronic acid isn’t bad for your liver. There is a misconception that it may cause liver issues, but elevated hyaluronic acid is a symptom, not a cause of liver problems.
Have You Ordered Your Hyaluronic Acid Supplements Yet?
After extensive testing and evaluation, my team and I unanimously agreed that Now Foods Hyaluronic Acid stands out as the best hyaluronic acid supplement.
Its blend, including a-lipoic acid, not only met but exceeded our expectations in efficacy, particularly for joint relief and skin hydration.
Our hands-on experience, coupled with positive feedback from various users, solidified its top position.
Its balanced formulation and added ingredients make it an ideal choice for those seeking joint comfort and improved skin health, making it our top recommendation.
Our #1 Recommendation
Now Foods Hyaluronic Acid (Best Overall)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- This oral hyaluronic acid comes as a veggie capsule suitable for vegans
- It’s a regular-strength product favored by people with degenerative joint disease caused
- Positive reviews about the impact on healthy skin moisture
- Added alpha-lipoic acid, L-proline, and grape seed extract to further relieve joint pain
- The capsule is quite large, so make sure you drink plenty of water with it
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