Don't be fooled by unassuming appearance of Ialuset Hyaluronic Acid Cream: this little tube of French magic has been featured in several beauty publications thanks to its ability to rapidly fade fine lines, fix dehydrated skin, improve the appearance of old scars and even act as an excellent primer (no pilling). Originally designed to heal mild burn and ulcer wounds, Ialuset is a pharmacy-grade hyaluronic acid product sold over-the-counter in France. These days, it appears to be more popular for its skin-plumping results.

The texture is like a slightly thick, milky cream and feels rather luxurious. Take note, this is a powerful product. Ialuset is best applied sparingly, as it is not designed for frequent use on the face and contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid. We like to use it once a week as an overnight repair mask, or whenever our skin is dehydrated and in need of urgent rescue from acid overuse. Always apply on damp skin, and seal in with a moisturizer. Next stop, radiant skin.

100g.

Product of France.

This product is great for anyone whose skin concerns include dry or dehydrated skin, fine lines, scars and minor wounds. Always patch test first.

Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), Cetearyl Glucoside, Oleic Acid Decylester, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Glycerol, Liquid Sorbitol, ​Methylal, Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate, Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate, Water.

Ingredients subject to change at manufacturer's discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, please refer to product packaging.

WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID CREAM USED FOR?

Hyaluronic acid creams have a multitude of uses. Ialuset Hyaluronic Acid Cream can be used to heal minor cuts or wounds faster (try dabbing it on a fresh acne scar to help ward off post-inflammatory hyperpigentation) or as an anti-ageing treatment to plump out fine lines. It's also super effective at treating dehydration on skin that's otherwise oily or combination. Unlike an oil-based cream, it is less likely to block your pores.

IS HYALURONIC ACID CREAM GOOD FOR YOUR FACE?

Hyaluronic acid creams are great to apply on your face. HA is a safe and well-rearched ingredient for the purposes of cosmetic skincare. Just be aware however, that Ialuset is a pharmacy-grade product and was not originally developed for use as a face treatment. While used frequently and loved by French women for years, we always like to err on the side of caution and use it as a wash off mask or occasional overnight treatment when your skin needs some TLC. Trust us, you'll still see and feel the effects even as a one-a-week sleep mask!

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF HYALURONIC ACID CREAM?

Broadly speaking, hyaluronic acid creams generate almost no side effects. They are very safe to apply topically on your skin, and work in harmony with other skincare ingredients. Hyaluronic acid is actually a naturally occurring substance in our own bodies, and helps to lubricate our joints and add youthfuless to our skin. We tend to produce less as we age, making a hyaluronic acid cream a useful anti-ageing supplement.

WHY HYALURONIC ACID IS BAD FOR YOUR SKIN?

Hyaluronic acid isn't bad for your skin at all - it's a very beneficial ingredient. Just be aware however, that there IS a way to use it correctly and that on some people, no matter how it's used, will cause some mild irritation. If you're in the latter group, try substituting HA for other plumping ingredients such as beta glucan or trehalose. Alternatively, you could also opt for a hyaluronic acid serum with a high dose of soothing panthenol to combat any potential irritation. Don't forget that for HA to work, it MUST be applied on damp skin. Ever applied a hyaluronic acid product only to find it made your skin drier? That's because HA aborbs moisture from its surroundings and holds it in place above your skin - hence the plumping effect. If your skin isn't damp when applied, then HA will simply suck the moisture out of your skin itself, causing the opposite effect to what it's meant to do. Try applying a cream like Ialuset after a couple of layers of toner, and sealing it in with a ceramide-based moisturizer.