Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan (a type of polysaccharide) which is present in all living organisms. It belongs to the most numerous group of compounds which have an identical chemical structure in both bacteria and human beings. Its name comes from the Greek word hyalos, meaning glass. Its colourless, translucent, and glassy as the name suggests.
Hyaluronic acid present in the skin is one of its key components. The ability to bind water in the epidermis inhibits creation of wrinkles and makes skin elastic. What is more, it maintains water in the organism and the level of tissue fluid contained in the extracellular matrix. Hyaluronic acid protects skin against drying and enhances its defensive.