Superfoods High in Hyaluronic Acid to Boost Your Health

Maintaining healthy, youthful, and hydrated skin is not only about topical skincare but also about nourishing the body from within. Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in our body, plays a crucial role in retaining moisture, supporting joint health, and keeping skin supple. While it is produced internally, age, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices can reduce its levels over time. Including foods high in hyaluronic acid in your diet can help replenish and support your body’s natural reserves.

February 18, 2026

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid & Its Role in Our Body

  • Retains moisture to keep skin plump and hydrated
  • Lubricates joints and reduces stiffness
  • Speeds up wound healing and tissue repair
  • Supports healthy, clear vision by hydrating the eyes
  • Improves skin elasticity and smoothness

Dietary Sources of Hyaluronic Acid

Magnesium, phytoestrogen, and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies are excellent food source of hyaluronic acid, helping boost its levels naturally and supporting healthier skin and joints.

Plant-Based Sources

  • Vegetables: Food source of hyaluronic acid include spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, and soy, all of which help boost natural hyaluronic acid levels in the body for better skin hydration and joint health.
  • Fruits: Citrus, avocado, and berries support hydration and skin health.

Animal-Based Sources

Animal-based foods naturally boost or support hyaluronic acid levels in the body.

  • Bone broth: Rich natural source of hyaluronic acid
  • Chicken skin & cartilage: Boosts skin elasticity and joint health
  • Eggs: Support HA synthesis with essential nutrients
  • Fish: Provide omega-3s to enhance skin hydration

How to Include Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skincare

  • Use a hyaluronic acid serum for deep hydration
  • Seal with a moisturiser to lock in moisture
  • Apply to damp skin for better absorption
  • Add a hyaluronic acid sheet mask for an extra boost
  • Pair with vitamin C, retinol, or peptides for anti-ageing benefits

 

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid & Its Role in Our Body

Hyaluronic acid is often associated with skincare serums and treatments, but its benefits go far beyond topical applications. It is found in connective tissues, skin, and eyes, making it essential for overall health.

Key Benefits:

  • Hydration: Retains up to 1,000 times its weight in water, keeping skin plump and moisturised.
  • Joint Support: Provides lubrication to joints and reduces stiffness.
  • Wound Healing: Accelerates tissue repair and regeneration.
  • Eye Health: Maintains moisture in the eyes and supports vision.

Clearly, hyaluronic acid is more than a skincare buzzword; it is vital for well-being. Incorporating sources of hyaluronic acid through diet helps support these natural processes internally.

Read our guide on Hyaluronic Acid Benefits For Skin: Here’s Everything You Need To Know for more thoughtful tips and insights.

Dietary Sources of Hyaluronic Acid

Food plays a powerful role in boosting natural hyaluronic acid levels. While there is no single ‘magic’ food source of hyaluronic acid, many nutrient-rich options can stimulate its production or directly provide the compounds required for its synthesis.

Plant-Based Sources

Fruits and vegetables rich in magnesium, phytoestrogens, and antioxidants are excellent foods high in hyaluronic acid, or help the body produce more of it.

Vegetables:

  • Leafy greens (Spinach, Kale, Collard greens): Packed with magnesium, they help the body produce enzymes required for hyaluronic acid synthesis.
  • Sweet potatoes: A good source of magnesium and antioxidants, supporting both skin and joint health.
  • Soy-based foods (Tofu, Edamame): Contain phytoestrogens that may enhance natural hyaluronic acid production.

Fruits:

  • Citrus fruits (Oranges, Grapefruit, Lemons): High in vitamin C, crucial for collagen and hyaluronic acid production.
  • Avocado: Rich in healthy fats and magnesium, promoting skin hydration.
  • Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries): Loaded with antioxidants that protect hyaluronic acid from breaking down.

These options highlight that different sources of hyaluronic acid from plants can work synergistically to improve skin and body health.

Animal-Based Sources

Certain animal-based foods are natural or indirect sources of hyaluronic acid and can significantly benefit the body.

 

  • Bone broth: It is, perhaps, the richest food source of hyaluronic acid, derived from simmering bones and connective tissue.
  • Chicken skin and cartilage: Contains natural hyaluronic acid, beneficial for skin elasticity and joint health.
  • Eggs: The yolk provides essential nutrients that support the synthesis of hyaluronic acid.
  • Fish (Mackerel, Salmon): Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, they improve skin hydration and complement hyaluronic acid levels.

Including these animal-based options ensures your diet has a balance of foods high in hyaluronic acid from diverse sources.

How to Include Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skincare

While diet plays a significant role, topical application of hyaluronic acid remains one of the most effective ways to directly hydrate the skin. Here’s how you can integrate it into your skincare routine:

Cleanser

Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Prepping with a clean base ensures better absorption of hyaluronic acid.

 

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Use a Serum

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5 % Hyaluronic Acid Serum is lightweight and formulated to penetrate deep into the skin. They draw in water and lock it into your skin cells, instantly boosting hydration and giving your complexion a plumper, smoother look.

Layer with Moisturiser

After applying a serum, seal in the hydration with a nourishing face cream. This step prevents water loss and ensures that the hyaluronic acid continues to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

 

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Apply to Damp Skin

Always apply hyaluronic acid to slightly damp skin. Doing so maximises its water-binding ability, allowing it to trap moisture more effectively and keep skin supple.

Sheet Mask

Using a face mask infused with hyaluronic acid provides an extra boost of hydration and nutrients. It delivers a concentrated dose directly to the skin, making it look refreshed and revitalised.

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Combine with Other Actives

Hyaluronic acid pairs well with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and peptides. This combination not only hydrates but also enhances anti-ageing benefits by improving skin texture, boosting collagen, and reducing fine lines.

Combining a balanced diet with topical application ensures maximum benefit from hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient not just in skincare products but also as part of a healthy diet. By including both plant-based and animal-based sources of hyaluronic acid, you can support your skin’s hydration, joint health, and overall vitality. Pairing these superfoods with a good skincare routine ensures your body gets the best of both worlds: nourishment from within and protection on the outside. For personalised guidance, try the Skin Genius tool to analyse your skin like an expert and discover the right L’Oréal Paris skincare range to build an effective routine.

FAQs

1. What are the best foods high in hyaluronic acid?
Bone broth, leafy greens, citrus fruits, soy products, and chicken skin are among the best foods to boost hyaluronic acid naturally.
2. Can a plant-based diet provide enough hyaluronic acid?
Yes, while animal sources like bone broth are direct providers, plant-based foods such as soy, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and avocados can effectively stimulate natural production.
3. How does the food source of hyaluronic acid compare to supplements?
Supplements provide a concentrated dose, but a diet rich in natural sources of hyaluronic acid also adds antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for overall health.
4. How long does it take for dietary hyaluronic acid to show results on skin?
With consistent intake of foods high in hyaluronic acid, noticeable improvements in skin hydration and elasticity may appear within 6-8 weeks.