Walk into any skincare aisle or flip through a health magazine in 2025, and there's one ingredient that's practically impossible to miss: hyaluronic acid. From serums that promise plump, dewy skin to supplements that claim to ease joint pain, HA has cemented itself as a darling of the beauty and wellness world. But here's the thing— not all hyaluronic acid is created equal . These days, you'll see labels shouting "100% natural" or "lab-crafted for purity," leaving many of us wondering: What's the difference between natural and synthetic HA? And which one is actually better for my skin, my body, or the planet?
In this guide, we're diving deep into the natural vs synthetic HA debate. We'll break down where each type comes from, how they're made, and what science says about their benefits. We'll also tackle the questions you're probably asking: Is natural HA really "cleaner"? Are synthetic versions more effective? And when it comes to choosing a hyaluronic acid serum or supplement, what should you actually look for? Let's start at the beginning.
Before we compare natural and synthetic, let's make sure we're on the same page about what hyaluronic acid (HA) is . Contrary to what the name might suggest, HA isn't an "acid" in the harsh, skin-stripping sense (we're looking at you, alpha-hydroxy acids). It's a sugar molecule—a glycosaminoglycan, to get technical—that your body already produces naturally. Think of it as your body's built-in moisture magnet: HA can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a key player in keeping tissues hydrated and plump.
You'll find HA all over the body: in your skin (where it keeps the outer layer supple), in your joints (it lubricates cartilage to prevent friction), and even in your eyes (it helps maintain the gel-like consistency of the vitreous humor). But here's the catch: As we age, our bodies produce less HA. By our 30s, skin HA levels start to ｄｒｏｐ, leading to drier, less elastic skin and more visible fine lines. Joints can feel stiffer, too. That's where topical products and supplements come in—they're designed to replenish what time (and life) takes away.
But HA isn't just for anti-aging. It's also used in medical settings: doctors inject it into joints to treat osteoarthritis, and it's a common ingredient in dermal fillers to add volume to lips or cheeks. In 2025, with the wellness industry booming, HA has expanded beyond these traditional uses into everything from shampoos (for hair hydration) to functional foods (think HA-infused water or protein bars). With so many applications, it's no wonder the market is flooded with options—but not all HA is sourced or made the same way.
When people talk about "natural" hyaluronic acid, they're referring to HA that's derived from biological sources. Historically, the most common source was… wait for it… rooster combs. Yes, those red, fleshy crests on top of roosters' heads. For decades, manufacturers extracted HA from combs by boiling them down, filtering out impurities, and purifying the resulting gel. It sounds old-school, but it worked: rooster combs are packed with high-molecular-weight HA, which is great for topical use (more on molecular weight later).
But in 2025, rooster comb HA is less common—thanks in part to ethical concerns (not everyone loves the idea of using animal byproducts) and advancements in fermentation technology. Today, most "natural" HA comes from microbial fermentation . Here's how it works: Scientists feed sugars (like glucose or sucrose) to a strain of bacteria—usually Streptococcus zooepidemicus (don't worry, it's non-pathogenic)—in a controlled tank. The bacteria eat the sugar and, as a byproduct, produce HA. The HA is then harvested, purified, and turned into a powder or liquid for use in products.
Why is fermentation considered "natural"? Because the HA is made by living organisms (bacteria), not synthesized in a lab from scratch. It's a biosynthetic process, similar to how yeast ferments grapes into wine. Many brands market fermented HA as "vegan-friendly" or "animal-free," which has made it a hit with eco-conscious consumers. But natural HA, whether from combs or fermentation, still has its pros and cons.
Biocompatibility: Since natural HA is structurally identical to the HA your body produces, it's often better tolerated by sensitive skin. Studies have shown that fermented HA, in particular, has low allergenic potential, making it a safe bet for those with reactive skin types.
Sustainability (When Done Right): Fermented HA can be more eco-friendly than rooster comb HA, especially if manufacturers use renewable energy to power their fermentation tanks and recycle water. Some brands even source their feed sugars from organic or non-GMO crops, further reducing their environmental footprint.
Molecular Diversity: Natural HA, especially from fermentation, can produce a range of molecular weights (from high to low), which is useful for different applications. High-molecular-weight HA (HMWHA) sits on the skin's surface to lock in moisture, while low-molecular-weight HA (LMWHA) can penetrate deeper to boost collagen production. Many natural HA serums blend both for all-around hydration.
Cost: Fermentation isn't cheap. The process requires specialized equipment, strict quality control, and time (fermentation can take days to weeks). As a result, natural HA products—like a premium hyaluronic acid serum—often come with a higher price tag than synthetic alternatives.
Batch Variability: Since natural HA depends on living bacteria, there's a small chance of variability between batches. One batch might have slightly more LMWHA than another, which could affect how a product performs. Manufacturers mitigate this with testing, but it's still a consideration.
Rooster Comb Concerns: While less common now, some natural HA still comes from rooster combs. This raises ethical questions for vegans and vegetarians, and there's also the risk of contamination if the combs aren't sourced from healthy, well-raised chickens.
Synthetic HA, on the other hand, is made entirely in a lab. Instead of relying on bacteria or animal sources, scientists build HA molecules from scratch using chemical reactions. The process starts with simple sugars (like glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine), which are linked together in a lab to form the long chains that make up HA. It's a bit like building a Lego tower: each "brick" is a sugar molecule, and scientists stack them to create the desired structure.
Synthetic HA first gained traction in the medical field, where precision and consistency are critical. For example, doctors using HA injections for joint pain need to know exactly how much HA is in each dose, and in what molecular weight range. Synthetic HA allows for that level of control—manufacturers can tweak the process to produce HA with specific properties, like ultra-high purity or a narrow molecular weight range.
In recent years, synthetic HA has trickled down into consumer products, too. You'll find it in budget-friendly skincare lines, supplements, and even some food additives. But how does it stack up to natural HA?
Cost-Effective: Synthetic HA is often cheaper to produce than natural HA, especially at scale. Since it doesn't require feeding and maintaining bacteria cultures, manufacturers can churn out large quantities at a lower cost. This makes synthetic HA products—like drugstore hyaluronic acid serums—more accessible to budget shoppers.
Consistency: Lab synthesis allows for near-perfect consistency. Every batch of synthetic HA has the same molecular weight, purity, and concentration, which is great for brands that want to ensure their products work the same way every time. This predictability is why synthetic HA is a favorite in the pharmaceutical industry.
Customizable Properties: Scientists can tweak synthetic HA to have specific traits. For example, they can create "cross-linked" synthetic HA, which has longer chains that resist breakdown in the body. Cross-linked HA is used in dermal fillers because it lasts longer (up to 18 months) than non-cross-linked HA.
Potential Impurities: Synthetic HA production involves chemical reactions, and if not properly purified, trace amounts of solvents or catalysts might remain in the final product. While these impurities are usually below safety thresholds, they could irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
Environmental Concerns: Some synthetic HA manufacturing processes use non-renewable resources (like petroleum-based solvents) or generate more waste than fermentation. However, this is improving: in 2025, many labs are switching to greener synthesis methods, like using enzymes instead of harsh chemicals.
Perception: Let's be real—"synthetic" still has a bit of a stigma. Many consumers associate it with "unnatural" or "fake" ingredients, even if the science says it's safe. This has made some brands hesitant to market synthetic HA prominently, even if it performs just as well as natural HA.
To make things clearer, let's put natural and synthetic HA head-to-head in a table. We'll focus on the factors that matter most to consumers: sourcing, sustainability, cost, and performance.
| Factor | Natural HA (Fermented) | Synthetic HA |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus zooepidemicus ) fed sugars | Chemically synthesized from sugars (e.g., glucuronic acid) |
| Production Time | 3–10 days (fermentation + purification) | 1–5 days (chemical synthesis + purification) |
| Molecular Weight Range | Broad (50 kDa–2 MDa) | Narrow (can be tailored to specific weights) |
| Cost | Higher ($10–$30 per gram for pure powder) | Lower ($5–$15 per gram for pure powder) |
| Biocompatibility | High (structurally identical to human HA) | High (structurally similar, but may have trace impurities) |
| Sustainability | Good (if using renewable energy/feedstocks) | Variable (improving with green synthesis methods) |
| Best For | Sensitive skin, vegan/animal-free products, eco-conscious buyers | Budget products, medical applications (fillers), consistent performance needs |
At the end of the day, most of us care about results—specifically, hyaluronic acid skin benefits . Whether you're using a natural or synthetic HA serum, will you see a difference in how your skin looks and feels? Let's break down the key skin benefits and whether source matters.
HA's claim to fame is hydration, and both natural and synthetic HA deliver here. When applied topically, HA acts like a sponge, drawing moisture from the air into the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin). Studies have shown that both natural fermented HA and synthetic HA can increase skin hydration by 50–100% within 2 hours of application. The effect lasts for 6–8 hours, depending on the formula (serums tend to absorb faster than creams).
One small study in 2024 compared a 1% natural HA serum and a 1% synthetic HA serum on 50 participants with dry skin. After 4 weeks, both groups saw significant improvements in skin moisture levels and transepidermal water loss (TEWL, a measure of how much water the skin loses). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups—meaning, for basic hydration, natural and synthetic HA work equally well.
HA doesn't just hydrate—it plumps. When skin is well-hydrated, fine lines and wrinkles appear softer and less noticeable. But for deeper anti-aging benefits (like stimulating collagen), molecular weight matters more than source. Low-molecular-weight HA (LMWHA), whether natural or synthetic, can penetrate the skin's epidermis and signal fibroblasts (cells that make collagen) to ramp up production. High-molecular-weight HA (HMWHA) sits on the surface, creating a barrier that locks in moisture and smooths texture.
A 2023 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology tested LMWHA from natural fermentation vs synthetic LMWHA. Both increased collagen production by 30% after 8 weeks of daily use. The conclusion? As long as the molecular weight is low enough to penetrate, the source (natural vs synthetic) doesn't affect anti-aging results.
HA isn't just for beauty—it's also used to treat wounds, burns, and eczema because it supports skin barrier repair. Natural HA may have a slight edge here: one study found that fermented HA contains small amounts of peptides and amino acids (byproducts of bacterial fermentation) that can speed up wound healing by 15–20% compared to pure synthetic HA. These extra compounds act as antioxidants, reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage.
That said, synthetic HA is still effective for barrier repair—it just might take a little longer. If you have sensitive, compromised skin (like rosacea or eczema), natural HA could be worth the splurge for these added benefits.
HA isn't just for your face—oral supplements are booming in 2025, marketed for joint health, eye health, and even skin. But does the source (natural vs synthetic) matter here, too? Let's take a look.
Most HA supplements contain high-molecular-weight HA (since LMWHA is broken down by stomach acid). When you swallow HA, it travels to your intestines, where it's absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to joints, skin, and other tissues. Studies show that oral HA can reduce joint pain in people with osteoarthritis by increasing synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates joints) and may even improve skin hydration from the inside out (though the evidence for skin benefits is weaker than for topical HA).
For supplements, natural and synthetic HA are again similar in efficacy. A 2024 meta-analysis of 12 studies found that both natural fermented HA and synthetic HA supplements reduced joint pain by 30–40% after 3 months of daily use (doses of 80–200mg/day). The only real difference? Cost. Synthetic HA supplements are often $5–$10 cheaper per bottle than natural ones, making them a better option if you're on a budget.
That said, if you're taking HA for skin benefits specifically, natural HA might have a slight edge. A small 2023 study found that participants who took fermented HA supplements had 12% higher skin hydration levels than those who took synthetic HA, possibly due to the extra peptides we mentioned earlier. But the difference was small—nothing a good topical HA serum couldn't (make up for).
Hyaluronic acid is generally considered safe, whether natural or synthetic. Topical HA rarely causes side effects, but some people with very sensitive skin may experience mild redness or itching, especially if the product has added fragrances or preservatives. Oral HA supplements might cause digestive upset (like bloating or diarrhea) in about 5% of users, but this is usually dose-dependent—lowering the dose often solves the issue.
The biggest safety concern with HA is impurities . Natural HA from rooster combs, if not properly purified, could contain traces of chicken proteins, which might trigger allergies in people with poultry sensitivities. Synthetic HA, if not thoroughly cleaned after synthesis, might have residual solvents, which can irritate skin. But here's the good news: In 2025, most reputable brands (whether natural or synthetic) test their HA for purity and publish the results (look for a Certificate of Analysis, or COA, on their website).
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, stick to fermented natural HA (which is less likely to have animal proteins) or synthetic HA from brands that use third-party testing. And as always, patch-test new products first—apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to check for reactions.
So, with all this info, how do you choose between natural and synthetic HA? Here's a quick guide based on your priorities:
Choose Natural HA If: You have sensitive skin, prefer vegan/animal-free products, or want to support sustainable brands. Look for "fermented," "vegan," or "bioengineered" on the label. Brands like The Ordinary (their Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA) and Timeless (20% Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum) use fermented HA and are widely available.
Choose Synthetic HA If: You're on a budget, need consistent performance (e.g., for medical use), or don't mind lab-crafted ingredients. Drugstore brands like CeraVe (Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum) and La Roche-Posay (Hyalu B5 Serum) often use synthetic HA and are affordable.
For supplements, the same logic applies: natural HA is better for sensitive stomachs or vegan diets, while synthetic HA is more budget-friendly. Look for supplements with 80–200mg of HA per serving, and avoid brands that don't list their source (shady suppliers often cut corners on purity).
As we move into 2025 and beyond, the HA industry is evolving fast. Here are a few trends to watch:
Green Synthesis: Labs are developing synthetic HA using renewable resources, like plant-based sugars and enzymes, to reduce environmental impact. Some companies are even using CO2 as a feedstock, turning a greenhouse gas into a useful ingredient.
Personalized HA: Brands are starting to offer HA products tailored to your skin type or concerns. For example, "dry skin formulas" might have higher HMWHA for barrier protection, while "anti-aging formulas" focus on LMWHA for collagen support.
Combination Products: HA works best when paired with other ingredients. Look for serums that mix HA with vitamin C (for brightening) or niacinamide (for barrier repair), or supplements that combine HA with glucosamine (for joint health).
At the end of the day, the "natural vs synthetic" debate isn't as black and white as some brands make it out to be. Both natural and synthetic HA have their strengths, and both can deliver the hydration, plumping, and joint support we're after. What matters most is quality : Is the HA pure? Has it been tested for impurities? Is the formula well-designed (e.g., the right molecular weight for your needs)?
If you're eco-conscious or have sensitive skin, natural fermented HA is a fantastic choice. If you're on a budget or need consistent results, synthetic HA works just as well. And in 2025, with advancements in both fermentation and synthesis, the gap between the two is smaller than ever.
So, the next time you're shopping for a hyaluronic acid serum or supplement, don't get hung up on "natural" or "synthetic." Read the label, check for third-party testing, and choose the product that fits your needs and values. After all, healthy, hydrated skin (and joints) is what we're all after—and both natural and synthetic HA can get us there.
