Ever picked up your go-to hyaluronic acid serum and paused, wondering why the price tag looks a little steeper than last month? Or maybe you've noticed that the hyaluronic acid moisturizer you swear by is suddenly out of stock at your local pharmacy. If you've felt the pinch, you're not alone. Behind these small frustrations lies a bigger story: a global shortage of raw materials that's sending ripples through the hyaluronic acid (HA) industry, from labs to store shelves. Let's dive into why your favorite HA products are costing more, and what it means for your skincare routine, supplements, and beyond.
First, Let's Talk About Hyaluronic Acid: Why We Can't Get Enough
Hyaluronic acid isn't just a buzzword in skincare—it's a powerhouse ingredient with a reputation for being a "moisture magnet." Your body actually produces it naturally: it's found in your skin, joints, and eyes, where it acts like a sponge, holding onto water to keep tissues plump and lubricated. As we age, our bodies make less HA, which is why so many of us turn to topical products or supplements to top it up.
In skincare, you'll find it in everything from lightweight hyaluronic acid serums (perfect for layering under moisturizer) to rich hyaluronic acid moisturizers that lock in hydration all day. For joints, hyaluronic acid supplements are a go-to for people with stiffness, as HA helps cushion bones. And it's even used in medicine—think eye drops for dry eyes or injectables for joint pain. With so many uses, demand for HA has skyrocketed in recent years. But here's the catch: making HA isn't as simple as mixing a few ingredients. It relies on specific raw materials, and those materials are getting harder to come by.
The Raw Materials Behind HA: What Goes Into Making It?
To understand the shortage, let's start with how HA is made. There are two main methods: traditional extraction (from animal sources, like rooster combs) and microbial fermentation (using bacteria or yeast). These days, most HA is produced via fermentation—it's more scalable, cost-effective, and vegan-friendly. But fermentation needs fuel, and that fuel comes from raw materials like glucose (sugar), starch (often from corn or potatoes), and specific strains of bacteria (like Streptococcus equi ).
Think of it like baking bread: you need flour, yeast, and water. If flour is scarce, you can't make as much bread, and what you do make will cost more. Similarly, HA manufacturers depend on a steady supply of glucose and starch to feed the bacteria that produce HA. When those raw materials are in short supply, HA production slows down, and prices go up.
Why the Shortage? The Perfect Storm of Global Challenges
So why are glucose and starch suddenly hard to get? It's not one issue—it's a mix of climate, supply chains, and competing demands that's creating a perfect storm.
1. Climate Extremes Wreaking Havoc on Crops
Corn and sugarcane—key sources of starch and glucose—are getting hit hard by erratic weather. In 2023, droughts in Brazil (a top sugarcane producer) and heatwaves in the U.S. Corn Belt shriveled crops, cutting global supplies. Meanwhile, floods in Pakistan and India damaged potato harvests, another starch source. When farmers can't grow enough, the price of these crops spikes. For example, corn prices rose by 22% in 2023 alone, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That means HA manufacturers paying more for the starch they need to feed their bacteria.
2. Post-Pandemic Supply Chain Hang-Ups
Remember when toilet paper was hard to find in 2020? The pandemic messed with global supply chains, and they're still recovering. Shipping delays, labor shortages, and port congestion mean even when crops are available, getting raw materials from farms to HA factories takes longer and costs more. A container of glucose that used to take 4 weeks to ship from Brazil to China might now take 6–8 weeks, with higher freight fees. These delays create bottlenecks: factories can't get the materials they need on time, so production lines slow down, and inventory dwindles.
3. Competing Demand from Other Industries
Glucose and starch aren't just for making HA. They're used in food production (think candy, baked goods), biofuels (ethanol), and even pharmaceuticals. As the global population grows, and as more countries push for renewable energy (like ethanol from corn), demand for these raw materials has surged. It's like a game of musical chairs: there aren't enough seats (raw materials) for everyone, so HA manufacturers are left scrambling to secure supplies—and paying a premium to do so.
From Raw Materials to Price Tags: How Shortages Hit HA Costs
Let's connect the dots: when raw materials cost more and are harder to get, HA production becomes more expensive. Manufacturers have two choices: absorb the costs (hurting their profits) or pass them on to consumers. Spoiler: most choose the latter. Let's look at the numbers to see how this plays out.
| Year | Average Corn Starch Price (per ton) | Average HA Price (per kg) | % Increase in HA Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $420 | $850 | - |
| 2021 | $480 (+14%) | $970 (+14%) | 14% |
| 2022 | $590 (+23%) | $1,150 (+19%) | 19% |
| 2023 | $680 (+15%) | $1,380 (+20%) | 20% |
| 2024 (Est.) | $720 (+6%) | $1,520 (+10%) | 10% |
As the table shows, HA prices have climbed steadily alongside raw material costs. In 2023, when corn starch prices jumped 15%, HA prices rose 20%—a clear sign that raw material shortages are a major driver. For consumers, this means your $25 hyaluronic acid serum might now cost $30, and a 30-day supply of hyaluronic acid supplements could be $5–$10 more than it was two years ago.
Who's Feeling the Pinch? From Skincare Lovers to Small Businesses
The price hikes don't just affect shoppers—they hit the entire HA ecosystem. Let's break down the impact:
Consumers: Harder Choices for Skincare and Health
For everyday people, higher HA prices mean tough decisions. Maybe you switch from your favorite high-end hyaluronic acid moisturizer to a drugstore brand, or you cut back on how often you buy HA supplements. Some might even skip HA products altogether, missing out on its benefits like plumper skin or joint support. It's not just about cost—it's about accessibility: when prices rise, HA becomes a luxury for some, not a staple.
Small Skincare Brands: Fighting to Stay Afloat
Big companies like La Roche-Posay or The Ordinary can absorb some cost increases, but small skincare brands? They're struggling. Many small businesses source HA in smaller quantities, so they pay higher wholesale prices. If they raise their prices too much, customers leave; if they don't, they lose money. Sarah, the founder of a indie skincare line in Portland, told me, "Last year, our HA supplier increased prices by 18%. We had to either raise our serum price by $8 or take a loss. We raised it, and sales dropped 10%. It's a balancing act that keeps me up at night."
Pharmaceuticals: Delays in Critical Treatments
HA isn't just for beauty—it's used in life-improving treatments, like injections for osteoarthritis or dry eye therapies. When HA is scarce, pharmaceutical companies might delay production, leading to shortages of these treatments. In 2023, some hospitals in Europe reported delays in HA joint injections, leaving patients in pain waiting longer for relief. It's a stark reminder that raw material shortages have real-world health consequences.
What's Next? Can the HA Industry Adapt?
The good news is that the HA industry is resilient. Manufacturers are exploring ways to reduce reliance on traditional raw materials. Some are experimenting with alternative feedstocks, like waste products from the food industry (e.g., potato peels instead of whole potatoes) to cut costs. Others are investing in more efficient fermentation technologies that use less raw material to produce the same amount of HA.
Sustainability is also playing a role. Companies like Bolt Beauty are marketing "low-waste" HA serums, using concentrated formulas that require less packaging and less HA per bottle. And some brands are turning to plant-based HA sources, though these are still in the early stages and more expensive to produce.
For consumers, the best bet is to shop smart. Look for sales on HA products, buy in bulk when possible (many brands offer discounts on larger sizes), and check ingredient lists—some products might blend HA with other hydrators like glycerin, which can be more affordable. And if you're using hyaluronic acid supplements, talk to your doctor about whether a lower dose or alternative supplement could work for you.
Final Thoughts: The Cost of a "Moisture Magnet"
Hyaluronic acid has become a staple in skincare and health for a reason—it works. But its popularity, paired with global raw material shortages, has made it pricier than ever. The next time you reach for that hyaluronic acid serum or pop a supplement, remember: there's a complex web of factors behind that price tag, from droughts in Brazil to fermentation tanks in China.
Will prices ever go back down? Maybe, if crop yields improve or new technologies make HA production more efficient. Until then, we'll have to adapt—but one thing's for sure: the demand for HA isn't going away. After all, who doesn't want skin that feels plump, joints that move smoothly, and a little bit of that "glow" we all chase? Here's hoping the industry finds its balance—and that our wallets can keep up.
