Hyaluronic Acid: Benefits, Uses, and Its Role in Healthcare and Pharma

Dive into the benefits of hyaluronic acid and its pivotal role in healthcare and cosmetics, backed by science and driving industrial innovation.

Updated: January 24, 2025

Hyaluronic Acid: Benefits, Uses, and Its Role in Healthcare and Pharma


Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is a substance naturally present in the human body. It is found in the highest concentrations of fluids in the eyes and joints. Our own skin cells actually produce Hyaluronic Acid naturally in a bid to maintain moisture levels. The hyaluronic acid that is used as medicine is extracted from rooster combs or made by bacteria in the laboratory.


Hyaluronic acid works by acting as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues. In addition, it might affect the way the body responds to injury. It is beneficial for various joint disorders, such as osteoarthritis. It can be taken by mouth or injected into the affected joint by a healthcare professional. Hyaluronic acid can be used during certain eye surgeries, including cataract removal, corneal transplantation, and repair of a detached retina and other eye injuries. It is injected into the eye during the procedure to help replace natural fluids.


Hyaluronic acid is also used as a lip filler in plastic surgery. Some people apply hyaluronic acid to the skin for healing wounds, burns, skin ulcers, and as a moisturizer. It has also been used to prevent the effects of aging. The substance works as a magnet for moisture, helping your cells retain as much of it as possible so that your skin feels and appears hydrated, plump, and healthy. Hyaluronic Acid also has antioxidant properties, which means it can act like a shield against free radicals we aren't in control of, like pollution and other aggressors. Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well-lubricated and moist. Hyaluronic acid has a variety of uses. Many people take it as a supplement, but it is also used in topical serums, eye drops, and injections.


Hyaluronic Acid in Healthcare and Pharma Supply Chains

In the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, hyaluronic acid has become an essential component for businesses specializing in orthopedics, ophthalmology, and advanced therapeutic solutions. It is frequently utilized in formulations for injectable solutions, eye drops, and supplements, providing an opportunity for B2B partnerships across the supply chain.


For instance, pharmaceutical companies developing treatments for osteoarthritis often collaborate with biomanufacturers specializing in high-purity hyaluronic acid production. These partnerships ensure that injectables for joint lubrication meet the stringent regulatory and quality standards demanded by healthcare providers.

Similarly, the ophthalmology industry has widely adopted hyaluronic acid-based products for cataract surgeries and dry eye treatment. B2B distributors are critical in supplying hospitals and clinics with sterile, ready-to-use surgical solutions.


In the aesthetic medicine sector, manufacturers of dermal fillers partner with clinics and medspas to provide customized solutions tailored to client needs. As consumer demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures grows, businesses sourcing high-quality hyaluronic acid are key players in supporting this market.


Uses & Effectiveness

  • Cataracts: Injecting hyaluronic acid into the eye is effective when used during cataract surgery by an eye surgeon.
  • Sores in the mouth: Hyaluronic acid is effective for treating mouth sores when applied to the skin as a gel.
  • Osteoarthritis: Hyaluronic acid is also found in the joints, where it keeps the space between your bones well-lubricated. When the joints are lubricated, the bones are less likely to grind against each other and cause uncomfortable pain. Hyaluronic acid supplements are very helpful for people suffering from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear on the joints over time.
  • Aging skin: It is critical in maintaining skin hydration, although it can be degraded by free radical mechanisms caused by things like UV exposure. Topically applied, it helps to hydrate the skin and maintain this hydration as a humectant. Taking hyaluronic acid supplements may prevent this decline by giving your body extra amounts to incorporate into the skin. Injecting a specific hyaluronic acid product into facial wrinkles can reduce wrinkles for up to one year. Also, taking a product containing hyaluronic acid and other ingredients by mouth seems to decrease wrinkles and damage from the sun when used for three months.


Special Precautions and Warnings


Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Hyaluronic acid is possibly safe when given by injection during pregnancy. However, not enough is known about the safety of hyaluronic acid when taken by mouth or applied to the skin during pregnancy. To stay on the safe side, avoid use. Similarly, hyaluronic acid is possibly unsafe when given by injection during breastfeeding. Researchers do not know if it affects breast milk or its effects on an infant. Until more is known, avoid taking it by mouth or applying it to the skin while breastfeeding.


Cancer

There is some evidence suggesting that cancer cells are sensitive to hyaluronic acid, and taking supplements could potentially accelerate their growth. For this reason, individuals with cancer or a history of cancer are advised to avoid supplementing with hyaluronic acid.


Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research and are recommended for specific conditions:

  • For treating osteoarthritis: Taking 80-200 mg daily for at least two months has been shown to significantly reduce knee pain, especially in people between the ages of 40 and 70. Healthcare providers may also inject hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint for pain relief.
  • For reducing fine lines and wrinkles: Doses of 120-240 mg per day for at least one month have been shown to significantly increase skin moisture and reduce dryness.
  • To relieve dry eye and discomfort: Eye drops containing 0.2-0.4% hyaluronic acid can reduce dry eye symptoms and improve eye health.


Final Thoughts

The human body depends heavily on hyaluronic acid to achieve proper hydration and lubrication throughout its structures. The wide-ranging benefits of hyaluronic acid make it applicable for both ophthalmological procedures and surgical treatments of joints along with its widespread use in skin treatments and wound care. Through its widespread use in various medical and cosmetic formulations it enhances life quality across global populations.


Hyaluronic acid functions as an essential component in advancements of both medical practices and pharmaceutical development. The pharmaceutical and medical industries use hyaluronic acid as their foundation to deliver innovative solutions addressing contemporary healthcare problems, including sustainable production techniques and sophisticated drug transport methods. Hyaluronic acid maintains its growing essentiality in the development of orthopedic treatments and ophthalmology practices, alongside its role in aesthetic procedures that enhance major industrial developments.