Mechanism of Action
Taken orally, hyaluronic acid is broken down by digestive enzymes and the gut microbiota into lower-molecular-weight oligosaccharides. These fragments cross the intestinal barrier, enter the bloodstream and distribute to target tissues.
In the dermis, they signal fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen and the extracellular matrix) to increase local hyaluronic acid synthesis. Oral supplementation thus reactivates endogenous production rather than delivering water passively, a mechanism all the more relevant as this synthesis capacity diminishes with age.
In the joints, these fragments support synovial fluid viscosity, promoting lubrication between cartilage surfaces.
Key Benefits
- Strong
Noticeably better-hydrated skin: a meta-analysis of 7 randomized controlled trials measures a significant rise in skin hydration after 4 to 12 weeks of daily intake, assessed by corneometry (the water content of the skin's surface layers).
- Strong
Shallower wrinkles and more supple skin: the same meta-analysis of 7 controlled trials reports a measurable reduction in wrinkle depth and improved elasticity in adults supplemented for 4 to 12 weeks.
- Moderate
More comfortable, more mobile joints: a systematic review of 11 studies involving 597 participants reports improved comfort, mobility and stiffness in adults receiving 30 to 300 mg per day of oral hyaluronic acid.
- Emerging
Better-supported joint lubrication: according to preliminary clinical data, oral hyaluronic acid may support the viscosity of synovial fluid, the fluid that lubricates the joints.
Dosage & Forms
Several forms of oral hyaluronic acid exist. Standard sodium hyaluronate is a high-molecular-weight polymer (above 1,000 kDa). Low-molecular-weight forms (50 to 300 kDa) have been developed to facilitate intestinal absorption.
Clinical trials used doses ranging from 80 to 200 mg per day, with significant results on skin hydration from 120 mg daily over 12 weeks.
The most recent approach combines several molecular weight fractions in a single active, pairing the surface action of larger molecules with the tissue penetration of smaller ones. This is the multi-molecular strategy Singular has selected, with ExceptionHYAL® Star, a patented active that brings this spectrum of molecular weights together in a single ingredient.
In the Singular Formula
Inclusion rationale
High-molecular-weight glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the skin, synovial fluid of joints and the vitreous humor of the eye. Each molecule can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it the body's main endogenous hydrating agent. The human body contains approximately 15 g, of which one third is renewed each day. This rapid turnover slows with age, contributing to the progressive loss of tissue hydration and volume. In the skin, hyaluronic acid occupies the space between the collagen and elastin fibers of the dermis, where it maintains turgor and tissue firmness. In the synovial fluid, it provides the viscosity needed for lubrication and cushioning of joint surfaces. Produced by bacterial fermentation (without animal origin), oral high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid has been the subject of randomized clinical trials showing measurable improvement in skin hydration by corneometry after 4 to 8 weeks of supplementation. Its safety profile is favorable, with a considerable track record of use in nutrition and cosmetics. This is why the formula uses ExceptionHYAL® Star, a patented hyaluronic acid that combines several molecular weights in a single active, where most supplements rely on a single fraction.
Selected form
ExceptionHYAL® Star, a patented sodium hyaluronate by Roelmi HPC (Italy). Its specificity: a multi-molecular weight spectrum combining several hyaluronic acid molecular weights in a single ingredient. High molecular weight fractions form a hydrating surface film, while low molecular weight fractions reach deeper layers. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan naturally present in the skin and synovial fluid, capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Produced by bacterial fermentation, with no animal origin. Quality: vegan.
Formula dosage
0 to 200 mg.
Synergies in the formula
Safety & Precautions
Oral hyaluronic acid has a favorable safety profile with a substantial track record. Used in food and cosmetics for decades, it is recognized as safe by European food authorities (authorized Novel Food). Clinical trials report few adverse effects at studied doses (80 to 200 mg per day).
No notable interactions with nutrients or medications have been documented. As a precaution, supplementation is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the lack of specific data in these populations.
Individuals on anticoagulants or with a particular health situation should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.
Scientific Studies
| Authors | Year | Type | Journal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amin P et al. | 2025 | Meta-analysis | Journal of Drugs in Dermatology | View on PubMed |
Oral Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Efficacy in Skin Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkle Depth Reduction Meta-analysis of 7 RCTs showing that oral hyaluronic acid supplementation significantly improves skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle depth. | ||||
| Gao YR et al. | 2023 | Randomised Controlled Trial | Skin Research and Technology | View on PubMed |
Oral administration of hyaluronic acid to improve skin conditions via a randomized double-blind clinical test Double-blind RCT with 129 women. Oral hyaluronic acid (100–200 mg/day) improved skin hydration from week 2, skin tone from week 4, and epidermal thickness after 12 weeks, in both young and elderly participants. | ||||
| Hsu TF et al. | 2021 | Randomised Controlled Trial | Nutrients | View on PubMed |
Oral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study Double-blind RCT of 40 participants. Oral intake of 120 mg/day hyaluronic acid over 12 weeks improved wrinkles, stratum corneum hydration and skin elasticity compared to placebo. | ||||
| Michelotti A et al. | 2021 | Randomised Controlled Trial | European Journal of Dermatology | View on PubMed |
Oral intake of a new full-spectrum hyaluronan improves skin profilometry and ageing: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial Double-blind RCT with 60 women. Oral intake of 200 mg/day full-spectrum hyaluronic acid for 28 days increased hydration by 10.6%, reduced wrinkle depth by 18.8%, and improved skin firmness. | ||||
| Carvalho JF et al. | 2024 | Systematic Review | Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology | View on PubMed |
Oral Hyaluronic Acid in Osteoarthritis and Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review Systematic review of 11 studies involving 597 patients. 9 out of 11 studies showed improved joint comfort with oral hyaluronic acid (30–300 mg/day), including pain, mobility, and stiffness, with rare and mild adverse effects. | ||||
| Tashiro T et al. | 2012 | Randomised Controlled Trial | The Scientific World Journal | View on PubMed |
Oral Administration of Polymer Hyaluronic Acid Alleviates Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study over a 12-Month Period 12-month randomized double-blind trial. High-molecular-weight oral hyaluronic acid (200 mg/day) improved knee joint comfort scores compared to placebo. | ||||