Hyaluronic Acid
A water-holding molecule in skin and joints, used in fillers, skin boosters and creams.
Approved in medical devices (dermal fillers, joint injections).
Look it up on Wikipedia4 listings across 2 independently tested vendors, ranked by price per milligram after coupon codes anyone can use. Vendors you can only order from by message are hidden.
Daily price tracking started October 7, 2026; a price-history chart appears here once a few days have been collected.
| Vendor | Trust | Listing | Vials | Price | Per mg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Qingdao Sigma Chemical QSC #69 by metascore |
Hyaluronic Acid 5mg | 20-Vial Kit | Glycosaminoglycan / ECM Biopolymer | 20 × 5 mg = 100 mg | $310.00 $15.50 per vial |
$3.10 | Buy | |
Qingdao Sigma Chemical QSC #69 by metascore |
Hyaluronic Acid 5mg | 10-Vial Kit | Glycosaminoglycan / ECM Biopolymer | 10 × 5 mg = 50 mg | $180.00 $18.00 per vial |
$3.60 | Buy | |
Chimera Peptides #19 by metascore |
Metascore 84Finnrick 87%Bought vials 101% of label · 27 testsTitrateLab · Peptide CriticNo report for thisOnline checkout |
Hyaluronic Acid 5mg x 20vials 20% off with code (paying with crypto) |
20 × 5 mg = 100 mg | $400.00 20% off with code (paying with crypto) $20.00 per vial |
$4.00 | Buy |
Chimera Peptides #19 by metascore |
Metascore 84Finnrick 87%Bought vials 101% of label · 27 testsTitrateLab · Peptide CriticNo report for thisOnline checkout |
Hyaluronic Acid 5mg x 10vials 20% off with code (paying with crypto) |
10 × 5 mg = 50 mg | $220.00 20% off with code (paying with crypto) $22.00 per vial |
$4.40 | Buy |
Mixing a 5 mg vial
What each common amount of bacteriostatic water gives you on a U-100 insulin syringe. Pick a vial size above to change it.
| Water | Strength | Per 10 units (0.1 mL) | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 500 mcg | 50 mcg |
| 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 250 mcg | 25 mcg |
| 3 mL | 1.667 mg/mL | 166.7 mcg | 16.67 mcg |
| 5 mL | 1 mg/mL | 100 mcg | 10 mcg |
Doses studied in research Approved drug
What was given to people (or animals) in published studies and official labels, each linked to its source. This is not a recommendation: study products, purity and supervision differ from research-grade vials.
a single 6 mL intra-articular injection into the knee; the pivotal study also assessed a repeat 6 mL injection 26 weeks later for safety (intra-articular)
Official label| Who was studied | Dose given | How often | For how long | What happened | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| patients with knee osteoarthritis (randomized, saline-controlled) n = 408 |
20 mg in 2 ml sodium hyaluronate (500-730 kDa, Hyalgan) intra-articular | once weekly for 3 weeks, course repeated twice more at 4-month intervals | 52 weeks | no overall difference in joint-space narrowing vs saline; less narrowing in the subgroup with milder disease at baseline | PubMed |
| healthy Asian men and women aged 35-64 (randomized, placebo-controlled) n = 40 |
120 mg oral | daily | 12 weeks | wrinkles, skin water content, water loss and elasticity improved vs placebo | PubMed |
| Japanese adults aged 22-59 with crow's feet wrinkles (randomized, placebo-controlled) n = 60 |
120 mg/day of 2 kDa or 300 kDa hyaluronan oral | daily | 12 weeks | wrinkles significantly reduced vs placebo with the 300 kDa form after 8 weeks | PubMed |
Hyaluronic acid products in the US are regulated as medical devices (joint injections, dermal fillers), not drugs; filler studies report volumes per treatment area rather than a set dose. Oral hyaluronic acid is sold as a dietary supplement.
What the research says
Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers are well studied: meta-analyses of trials support lip augmentation (about 91% responders at 2 months, 46% at 12 months) and improved skin hydration, and a meta-analysis of 7 RCTs of oral HA reported modest skin benefits. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived (tenderness, swelling, bruising), but rare vascular occlusion can cause skin necrosis or vision loss.
Key papers ✓ 4✗ 2~ 2
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Hyaluronic Acid Is an Effective Dermal Filler for Lip Augmentation: A Meta-Analysis.Humans1,496 peopleResponders assessed at 2, 6 and 12 monthsSystematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA, PROSPERO-registered)
Meta-analysis of HA lip augmentation (32 records, 10 pooled): responders with increased lip fullness 91% at 2 months, 74% at 6 months and 46% at 12 months; tenderness 88.8%, swelling 74.3%, bruising 39.5%; rare granulomas (0.6%), herpes labialis (0.6%) and angioedema (0.3%).
Key resultResponders 91% (95% CI 0.85-0.96) at 2 months, 74% (0.66-0.82) at 6 months and 46% (0.28-0.65) at 12 months
Study details
- Studied
- People receiving hyaluronic acid (HA) filler for lip augmentation (RCTs, cohorts, case series, case reports)
- Main outcome
- Responder rate (increase in lip fullness by one point or more); adverse events
- Sample
- 32 records descriptive, 10 in quantitative synthesis; 1,496 participants used for adverse-event rates
- Authors' conclusion
- Injectable HA is an efficient method for increasing lip fullness for at least up to 6 months. Most adverse events were mild or moderate, but a small number of serious ones occurred. Further well-designed RCTs are needed.
- Limitations
- Included case reports and case series; authors call for more well-designed RCTs.
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The Effect of Local Hyaluronic Acid Injection on Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Humanssize not reported12 studies pooledSystematic review and random-effects meta-analysis (PROSPERO-registered)
Meta-analysis of HA injections for skin aging (6 studies pooled): improved hydration (SMD 1.34) and radiance (SMD 0.51), but no significant change in elasticity or melanin index.
Key resultHydration SMD 1.34 (95% CI 0.14-2.54, p<0.05); radiance SMD 0.51 (0.22-0.80, p<0.05); elasticity SMD 0.25 (-0.20-0.70, p=0.27); melanin index SMD -1.74 (-4.89-1.41, p=0.28)
Study details
- Studied
- People receiving local HA-based injectable products for skin aging
- Compared with
- Controls
- Main outcome
- Skin hydration, radiance, elasticity, melanin index
- Sample
- 12 studies included, 6 with enough data for meta-analysis
- Authors' conclusion
- HA injections improved skin hydration and radiance, but no significant change was found in elasticity or melanin index. Further research is required to confirm effectiveness.
- Limitations
- Only 6 of 12 studies had enough data for meta-analysis.
-
Oral Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Efficacy in Skin Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkle Depth Reduction.Humans7 randomized controlled trialsRandomized trialsMeta-analysis of RCTs
Meta-analysis of 7 RCTs of oral HA supplements: significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkle depth vs placebo, but not in firmness, wrinkle volume or water loss; studies were small and heterogeneous.
Study details
- Studied
- Participants in RCTs of oral HA supplements versus placebo for skin
- Compared with
- Placebo
- Main outcome
- Skin hydration, elasticity, firmness, wrinkle reduction, transepidermal water loss
- Authors' conclusion
- Oral HA gave statistically significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkle depth; firmness, wrinkle volume and transepidermal water loss showed non-significant trends. Larger, more robust trials are needed.
- Limitations
- Limited sample size and heterogeneity among included studies.
-
A hyaluronic acid-based micro-filler improves superficial wrinkles and skin quality: a randomized prospective controlled multicenter study.Humans146 peopleRandomizedFollow-up to Day 120 (primary endpoint Day 75)Randomized, prospective, active-controlled multicenter study
146 adults randomized 3:1 to an HA-based micro-filler (NCTF 135HA) plus cream or cream alone: superficial wrinkles on face, neck and decolletage fell significantly more at days 75 and 120; adverse events were mostly mild and resolved within 48 hours.
Key resultAt Day 75 and Day 120, NCTF135HA significantly reduced wrinkles in all three areas and improved facial radiance versus control
Study details
- Studied
- Adults treated on the face (crow's feet), neck and decolletage for superficial wrinkles
- Compared with
- Anti-aging moisturizer cream alone
- Main outcome
- Reduction in superficial wrinkles (profilometry, clinical scoring) between baseline and Day 75
- Sample
- 146 randomized: 107 to NCTF135HA, 38 to control (3:1)
- Authors' conclusion
- NCTF135HA was effective and well tolerated for reducing skin signs of aging, significantly superior to a routine anti-aging cream alone. Most adverse events were mild and resolved within 48 h.
- Limitations
- Funded by the product manufacturer; control arm was cream only (no injection).
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Adverse Events Associated with Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection for Non-surgical Facial Aesthetics: A Systematic Review of High Level of Evidence Studies.Humans48 randomized controlled studiesRandomized trialsSystematic review of high level of evidence studies (RCTs only; Cochrane standards)
Systematic review of 48 randomized studies of facial HA fillers: most adverse events were short-lived injection-site reactions; severe events such as severe edema and angioedema were rare but sometimes required treatment.
Study details
- Studied
- People receiving HA dermal fillers for non-surgical facial aesthetics
- Main outcome
- Classification of adverse events
- Authors' conclusion
- HA dermal fillers are generally safe and effective; most adverse events were transient and mild to moderate. Severe adverse events were rare but occur. Informed consent, patient education and training are crucial.
- Limitations
- Excluded case reports, case series and observational studies.
-
Monophasic versus biphasic hyaluronic acid filler for correcting nasolabial folds: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Humans935 people11 RCTs pooledSystematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (935 people) comparing monophasic and biphasic HA fillers for nasolabial folds: monophasic fillers gave somewhat better wrinkle-severity and aesthetic-improvement scores, with no difference in adverse events.
Key resultMonophasic filler improved WSRS (SMD -0.38, 95% CI -0.49 to -0.27) and GAIS (SMD 0.34, 0.24-0.45) versus biphasic; no significant difference in pain or adverse events (RR 1.00, 0.89-1.12)
Study details
- Studied
- Individuals with moderate-to-severe bilateral nasolabial folds
- Compared with
- Biphasic HA filler (BHA)
- Main outcome
- Wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS), pain VAS, global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS), adverse events
- Sample
- 11 RCTs, 935 participants
- Authors' conclusion
- Monophasic HA filler showed discernable cosmetic results and comparable efficacy and tolerability to biphasic filler.
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Hyaluronidase Protocol in Management of Hyaluronic Acid Filler-Related Vascular Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Humans231 people21 studies pooledRandomized trialsSystematic review and meta-analysis (RCTs, cohorts, case series)
Meta-analysis of 21 studies (231 patients) with HA-filler vascular complications: skin necrosis occurred in 60.6% and visual impairment in 52.8% of these cases; hyaluronidase resolved necrosis in 78.4% and visual impairment in 45.2%, better if given within 6 hours.
Key resultResolution rates 78.4% for skin necrosis and 45.2% for visual impairment; early intervention (within 6 hours) significantly improved outcomes
Study details
- Studied
- Patients with HA filler-related vascular complications (mean age 30.1 years, 90.9% female)
- Main outcome
- Resolution rates after hyaluronidase treatment
- Sample
- 21 studies, 231 patients
- Authors' conclusion
- Hyaluronidase is effective for HA-related vascular complications, particularly when given promptly. Findings support standardized treatment protocols; dosing needs further research.
- Limitations
- Includes case series; no control group for hyaluronidase.
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A Study of Combined Onabotulinumtoxin A and Hyaluronic Acid Filler for the Treatment of Enlarged Facial Pores.Humans32 peopleRandomizedUp to 24 weeksProspective, randomized, single-blinded, split-face controlled trial
32 adults, split-face trial for enlarged pores: adding intradermal HA filler to onabotulinumtoxinA gave slightly less improvement at 6 months than toxin alone, and 56% developed a palpable lump on the HA side.
Key resultPalpable lump on the combination side in 18 subjects (56.25%); monotherapy side showed slightly better improvement at 6 months
Study details
- Studied
- Asian adults with visibly enlarged pores on both cheeks
- Compared with
- OnaBoNT-A monotherapy on the other side of the face
- Main outcome
- Pore volume, skin roughness, visual assessment, pain, improvement score, side effects
- Sample
- 32 subjects, split-face
- Authors' conclusion
- BoNT-A and HA filler both reduced pore size, but monotherapy was slightly better at 6 months and combination had more adverse events such as edema and nodules. Careful patient selection and technique are important.
- Limitations
- Small trial in Asian subjects; single-blinded.
Reported side effects
- commonTenderness at injection site [ref]
- commonSwelling / edema [ref] [ref]
- commonBruising [ref] [ref]
- commonPalpable lumps/nodules [ref]
- reportedErythema [ref]
- rareForeign-body granuloma [ref]
- rareHerpes labialis flare [ref]
- rareAngioedema / severe edema [ref] [ref]
- rareVascular occlusion with skin necrosis or vision loss [ref]
166 registered human trials (41 active)
✓ positive · ✗ negative · ~ mixed · ? inconclusive, judged on each paper's own main outcome. Grades: A strong human evidence → D little or none. Papers and verdicts are drawn from PubMed, Europe PMC and Russian journals (CyberLeninka); not medical advice.
Registered clinical trials 166 on ClinicalTrials.gov · 41 active · 83 completed · 13 with posted results
All 166 Hyaluronic Acid trials, with countries and summaries · Search ClinicalTrials.gov · Recruiting trials for every peptide
Discussions elsewhere
Experiences and questions about Hyaluronic Acid on other sites. Treat anecdotes with care.
Also sold in blends with Hyaluronic Acid
AOD-9604 + Hyaluronic Acid (1). The order planner uses these automatically when a blend is cheaper than separate vials.
Hyaluronic Acid: questions people ask
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Glycosaminoglycan (not a peptide). A water-holding molecule in skin and joints, used in fillers, skin boosters and creams. Also searched as hyaluronic.
How much does Hyaluronic Acid cost?
The cheapest Hyaluronic Acid from an independently tested vendor is $3.10 per mg (Qingdao Sigma Chemical QSC, Hyaluronic Acid 5mg | 20-Vial Kit | Glycosaminoglycan / ECM Biopolymer, $310.00). Across 4 listings from 2 vendors the median is $4.00 per mg.
Where can I buy Hyaluronic Acid?
2 vendors tested by Finnrick sell Hyaluronic Acid. The cheapest per mg right now: Qingdao Sigma Chemical QSC ($3.10), Chimera Peptides ($4.00). 0 of them publish a lab report (COA) for Hyaluronic Acid; compare lab scores and reports in the table above before buying.
How much bacteriostatic water for 5 mg of Hyaluronic Acid?
Adding 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 5 mg vial of Hyaluronic Acid gives 2.5 mg/mL: each 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe holds 250 mcg. With 1 mL it's 5 mg/mL (500 mcg per 10 units); with 3 mL, 1.667 mg/mL (166.7 mcg per 10 units). More water makes small amounts easier to measure. Mixing charts: 5 mg.
Is Hyaluronic Acid FDA approved?
Approved in medical devices (dermal fillers, joint injections).
Does Hyaluronic Acid work? What does the research say?
Evidence grade A (strong human evidence), from 8 papers: Meta-analyses of many RCTs (one of 11 RCTs with 935 people) consistently support HA fillers for wrinkles and lip volume; rare vascular complications. Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers are well studied: meta-analyses of trials support lip augmentation (about 91% responders at 2 months, 46% at 12 months) and improved skin hydration, and a meta-analysis of 7 RCTs of oral HA reported modest skin benefits. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived (tenderness, swelling, bruising), but rare vascular occlusion can cause skin necrosis or vision loss. See the papers.
Are there clinical trials of Hyaluronic Acid?
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 166 registered trials of Hyaluronic Acid: 41 active, 83 completed, 22 in phase 3, 13 with posted results. Examples: Sperm Selection Strategies and Male-Factor Phenotypes in ICSI (Active, not recruiting, 12,561 people); Allogenic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis (Recruiting, Phase 3, 520 people); Evaluation of Facial HA Dermal Fillers in Real-Life Conditions (Recruiting, 460 people).
What dose of Hyaluronic Acid was used in studies?
Hyaluronic Acid is an approved drug. Synvisc-One (hylan G-F 20), FDA-approved medical device (PMA P940015/S012): a single 6 mL intra-articular injection into the knee; the pivotal study also assessed a repeat 6 mL injection 26 weeks later for safety; patients with knee osteoarthritis (randomized, saline-controlled): 20 mg in 2 ml sodium hyaluronate (500-730 kDa, Hyalgan) once weekly for 3 weeks, course repeated twice more at 4-month intervals; healthy Asian men and women aged 35-64 (randomized, placebo-controlled): 120 mg daily. These are amounts used in published studies or official labels, not a recommendation.
What are the side effects of Hyaluronic Acid?
Reported in the research: Tenderness at injection site; Swelling / edema; Bruising; Palpable lumps/nodules; Erythema.