Why do some users report a sensation of "tightness" or even concern about dryness after applying Phyaluronic-based serum, or even a hyaluronic acid?
Let's talk about it....
Hydration ≠ Oiliness—and that’s a good thing
When transitioning from oil-based skincare to humectant-rich formulas like Nourish, your skin may initially feel less slick or dewy. That’s not dryness—it’s real hydration at work. Here’s why:
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Oil gives shine, not water. Oils and butters smooth the skin surface and prevent water loss—they don’t add water. Imagine leather—it can be made soft with oil, but it stays dry inside. Nourish, powered by Phyaluronic®, pulls water into the skin, restoring internal volume and elasticity.
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Humectants hydrate at a cellular level. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and Phyaluronic acid attract water into the scaffolds around cells. Phyaluronic has a very tight, "skin hugging" effect in this way, and supports cells in a high volume environment. While humectants like glycerin transport hydration into the cells via aquaporin channels. This is why we also use glycerin in our formulations.
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Dryness isn’t from humectants, it's from environmental draw through loss of your hydration layer and barrier breach. Humectants do not dry skin in normal conditions, but in extremely low humidity any skin will dry if not followed by a sealing agent. That’s when pairing humectants with an occlusive like shea butter or white cypress oil in our formulations, can feel more like a barrier sheen that ensures hydration stays there close to the skin.
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Skin needs time to adjust. Transitioning from oil-based rituals to humectant-first routines can feel odd. Your skin’s natural moisture balance improves over time, and the more hydration you deliver, the less reliant it is on surface oil alone.
Dryness vs. Tightness: A Common Misinterpretation
Phyaluronic® and HA work by forming a water-rich layer on or just beneath the skin’s surface. High molecular weight versions form a lightweight, gel-like film that binds water and gives an instant plumping and firming effect. This firming can feel like skin "tightness," but it's a biomechanical effect, not a sign of dryness.
Clinical research confirms this phenomenon:
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A 2021 study showed that topical HA improves skin hydration and elasticity, but also led to subjective sensations of increased tightness, without any evidence of dehydration (Verdier-Sévrain et al., 2007).
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Studies using corneometry and Raman spectroscopy demonstrate that even when users report tightness, the skin is actually more hydrated, not less (Pavicic et al., 2011).
- Our own research showed a 40% increased volume or "swelling" in a collagen skin scaffold compared to collagen alone - this is the hydration power of Phyaluronic. (Kang et al. 2018).
Is “drying out” from hyaluronic acid just opinion?
It’s largely a perception. Humectants like hyaluronic acid, Phyaluronic and glycerin are scientifically proven to increase skin hydration, elasticity, and barrier function—not dry the skin. Clinical studies show that lotions with humectant blends significantly improve hydration and barrier integrity in both short- and long-term use.
Though historically considered a “dead” and lipid rich layer of skin, the outer most layer (stratum corneum) remains biochemically active. It needs hydration, not just lipids' for these processes to function well which is critical for skin turnover (desquamation), barrier integrity, and response to environmental stressors (Verdier-Sévrain et al., 2007).
Why Application Technique Matters
In low-humidity environments, all humectants (including HA and Phyaluronic) can draw water from air or skin to hydrate the surface layers.
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Applying Phyaluronic to damp skin (ideally post-cleansing) will help to further increase the moisture volume. If you have an oil film present then the skin hugging hydration effect will be superficial and a film on the surface may occur.
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Following immediately with a moisturizer or occlusive can help to get that "glow" feel that you might be more used to with oil based skincare.
Think of this as creating a hydration sandwich: water drawn in, sealed with emollients, and retained where it belongs close to the skin, and "polished" on the surface.
All three of our moisturizers—Renew Night Cream, Light Day Cream, and Nourish—contain different types of occlusive ingredients to help seal in hydration and support skin comfort and barrier function. These products are designed to layer beautifully with Phyaluronic within the formulation, or over Phyaluronic Serum, completing the routine for optimal skin health. There may be different forulations that your skin type prefers, but the hydrating Phyaluronic is always there for hydration from each one.
Does shifting from oil-based routines require adaptation?
Yes. Skin used to oil-focused products—where slip, surface glow, and emollience dominate—may feel unfamiliar when transitioning to lighter, humectant-focused routines. This isn't irritation; it's a perceptual shift:
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Oils supply emollience and occlusion, giving softness and sheen, but no added water
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Humectants, by contrast, deliver true hydration by attracting water into the epidermis. This adds volume and turgor—not oiliness
- The water content of the outer layer of skin (stratum corneum) is necessary for proper SC maturation and skin "desquamation". Low hydration in this layer impairs enzymatic functions required for normal desquamation resulting in the visible appearance of dry, flaky skin.
Over time, as the skin adjusts and deeper hydration becomes the norm, that previously “flat” or matte feel resolves. Some users even notice that oil-based hydration no longer feels satisfying once their skin is properly hydrated from within.
Matt Finish vs. Dewy Finish
Some users may prefer a shiny, "dewy" finish rather than a matte, smooth finish, especially if accustomed to oil-based products. For those desiring a dewier glow, we recommend that you still work on getting used to a hydrated skin, and layer a nourishing facial oil over Phyaluronic products, and yes, we are developing more oil based formulations for people that prefer this type of finish.
Added Benefits Unique to Phyaluronic copare to other humectants
Unlike standard HA, Phyaluronic:
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Resists breakdown by hyaluronidase enzymes
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Helps inhibit collagen- and elastin-degrading enzymes
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Is extracted from renewable, marine-cultivated green seaweed, not animal or GMO sources
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Carries sulfate and rhamnose groups with added anti-inflammatory effects
This makes it a next-generation molecule that not only hydrates but protects the skin's structural integrity.
Conclusion
If you're feeling that "tight" sensation after using a Phyaluronic serum, it's very likely a sign of your skin becoming firmer and more hydrated—not drier. By applying it correctly and following with a good moisturizer, you can harness its benefits fully. It’s a smart, sustainable evolution of HA technology, offering comfort, performance, and protection—without compromise.
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