Hyaluronic Acid Can Dry Your Skin? I’m often asked about hydrating ingredients, especially why I prefer glycerin over hyaluronic acid. Both glycerin and hyaluronic acid are humectants, meaning they attract water and help hydrate the skin. But they do not always behave the same way in different environments. Hyaluronic acid works best when there is enough humidity in the air, generally around 60% or higher. In a humid environment, it can help attract moisture toward the skin and improve hydration. But in very dry climates, excessive indoor heating, or low humidity environments, hyaluronic acid may pull water from the deeper layers of the skin instead. If the skin barrier is not properly protected, this can sometimes leave the skin feeling tighter or more dehydrated. Glycerin is also a humectant, but it is one of the most researched and reliable hydrating ingredients in skincare. It consistently helps improve skin hydration, supports the skin barrier, and performs well in a wide range ...