Simple 1% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Simple 1% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

If you are new to hyaluronic acid, this simple 1% serum is the easiest place to start. It contains only water, hyaluronic acid powder and a gentle preservative, so you can experience the texture and hydrating effect of HA on its own without any added actives or extras. This makes it ideal for sensitive skin, minimal routines or for using as a customisable base in your wider formulations.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring, water-loving molecule that attracts and holds moisture at the skin’s surface. In a serum like this, HA helps the skin appear smoother, fresher and more hydrated by drawing water into the upper layers where it visibly boosts softness and suppleness. Because this formula is so pared back, it is perfect for layering with other products, or for adding into your own DIY skincare blends that need a simple hydrating component.

A 1% HA serum has a lightweight, gel-like texture that absorbs quickly and works well morning or evening. It gives an immediate hydrated finish, and is gentle enough for most skin types.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum

For best results, apply hyaluronic acid serum to slightly damp skin. HA attracts water, so giving it a little moisture to work with helps it sit comfortably on the skin and improves that hydrated finish.

This simple 1% serum can be used on its own as a lightweight daily hydrator, but it is also commonly used by formulators as an easy way to incorporate hyaluronic acid into other products. Working with the raw powder can be fiddly, so many people prefer to make a premade HA concentrate like this and then add it to creams, gels or serums as needed. It blends smoothly into water-based formulations and helps boost overall hydration without having to hydrate and disperse the powder each time.

Recommended order in your skincare routine

1. Cleanser
2. Toner or hydrosol mist (leave the skin lightly damp)
3. Hyaluronic acid serum
4. Face oils and/or moisturiser

Using a moisturiser or oil after your HA serum helps seal in the surface moisture, supporting a smoother, more hydrated appearance. HA works well on its own, but it performs even better when followed by a cream or oil because these occlusive or emollient layers help slow water loss.

You can use HA morning or evening, or both if your skin enjoys it.

Simple 1% Hyaluronic Acid Serum Formula

Ingredients

Makes 100g -  Adjust batch volume with Go Native NZ's Batch Size Calculator 

98% | 98g distilled water
1% | 1g hyaluronic acid powder
1% | 1g Geogard 221 or Microcare DB (preservative)

Method

1. Add the distilled water to a beaker or mixing jug.
2. Slowly sprinkle the hyaluronic acid powder over the surface of the water and stir. It will clump at first, but keep mixing as much as you can. (An electric beater can help speed things up.)
3. Cover and leave the mixture to sit, preferably overnight, until the hyaluronic acid has fully hydrated and the gel is smooth.
4. Once the gel is uniform, stir in your chosen preservative. You can use Geogard 221 or Microcare DB; both are suitable for water-based formulas.
5. Check the pH if you can. Hyaluronic acid serums are generally comfortable on the skin around pH 5 to 7. Both Geogard 221 and Microcare DB are effective in this range, so most batches will fall naturally within it. Adjust only if needed.
6. Pour into a 100 ml bottle or five 20 ml dropper bottles. Use one dropper bottle for daily application and refill as needed.

Video Tutorial - Make Hyaluronic Acid Serum 

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