Sensitive skin often reacts to small changes, weather shifts, harsh cleansers, or dehydration. The result? Tightness, dryness, or visible irritation. Dermatologists recommend hyaluronic acid for good reason: this skin-compatible molecule draws in hydration, restores balance, and reinforces the skin’s natural barrier.
What Hyaluronic Acid Is, and Why It Matters
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring sugar molecule that binds water to the skin for visible plumpness and smoothness. Over time, natural HA levels decline, leading to dryness and sensitivity. Topical HA replenishes what’s lost, helping skin retain moisture, elasticity, and comfort.
HA’s structure allows it to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. By creating a protective hydration layer, it keeps skin resilient and visibly supple across all climates and skin types.
Visible benefits
- Restores hydration and strengthens the skin barrier
- Reduces dryness and visible discomfort
- Smooths fine lines and rough texture
- Provides a calming, soothing effect for sensitive complexions
- Supports elasticity by aiding collagen and elastin function
The Most Effective Types for Sensitive Skin
Formulation matters. Clinical skincare combines different molecular weights of HA for comprehensive results:
- High-Molecular-Weight HA: Creates a lightweight, protective veil that helps prevent moisture loss and environmental damage.
- Low-Molecular Weight HA: Penetrates deeper layers to deliver long-lasting hydration from within.
- Cross-Linked HA: Extends the duration of hydration by forming a moisture reservoir in the skin.
Blended formulations, like those found in dermatologist-developed serums, ensure balanced, multi-layer hydration that leaves skin visibly smoother and healthier.
Why Hyaluronic Acid Works for Reactive Skin
Unlike active ingredients that can cause sensitivity, HA works in harmony with the skin barrier. It attracts water, reduces visible inflammation, and supports natural repair, all without triggering redness.
Those prone to conditions like rosacea or post-procedure dryness can safely use HA-based serums, as they calm and replenish skin without clogging pores or adding oil.
How to Use It Effectively
For clinically tested hydration that lasts, timing and technique matter.
Routine:
- Apply to slightly damp skin after cleansing.
- Follow immediately with a moisturizer to seal in moisture.
- Use daily, morning and night, for consistent comfort.
HA also layers seamlessly with dermatologist-tested ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and niacinamide. Always patch-test first if your skin is highly reactive.
How Rodan + Fields Uses Hyaluronic Acid
At Rodan + Fields, every formula is dermatologist-developed and clinically tested for sensitive skin performance.
This clinically tested overnight mask works while you rest to reinforce the skin barrier, prevent water loss, and lock in deep hydration, delivering plumper, smoother, more radiant-looking skin by morning.
Recommended Use: Apply nightly as the final step in your PM regimen.
Size: 50 mL / 1.7 Fl. Oz.
PRODUCT DETAILS
What it is:
A lightweight, leave-on hydrating mask designed to form a breathable shield over your skin. This barrier-supporting formula helps minimize water loss, enhances the benefits of your nighttime products, and leaves skin visibly plump and supple. Non-comedogenic.
Why you need it:
Your skin naturally loses the most hydration overnight, weakening its barrier function. This overnight mask works in sync with your skin’s nighttime repair process, sealing in more than just moisture and boosting the results of your entire PM routine. Wake up to skin that feels bouncier, softer, and deeply replenished.
Item Number: ENHM050
KEY SKIN CONCERNS
- Dehydration lines + wrinkles
- Weak or compromised skin barrier
- Dry, tight, or undernourished skin
Skin Type: Suitable for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin.
KEY BENEFITS
✔ Reinforces the skin barrier
✔ Locks in hydration overnight
✔ Smooths the look of fine dehydration lines
✔ Leaves skin plumper, softer, and more nourished
POWERFUL INGREDIENTS
- Hyaluronic Acid + Shea Butter Lipids → Deep hydration + bounce
- Peptides → Smooth the look of dehydration lines + wrinkles
- Electrolytes → Strengthen + support the skin barrier
- Proprietary RFp2 Peptide Technology → Helps protect skin integrity
CLINICAL RESULTS*
- 100% reported plumper, fuller-looking skin
- 100% noticed smoother-feeling skin
- 100% saw visibly reduced dryness
- 92% agreed skin felt more comfortable
- 89% agreed skin looked and felt deeply nourished
*Based on a U.S. clinical and consumer study after 1 use of Hydra Mask Gel Cream.
HOW TO USE
- Complete your nighttime regimen: cleanser, toner, serum, and PM moisturizer.
- Apply an even layer of the Hydra Mask Gel Cream as the final step.
- Allow to dry before bed.
- Rinse off in the morning for refreshed, plumper skin.
Pro Tip: Your skin barrier needs year-round protection. In summer, environmental stressors can compromise it; in winter, cold air can dry it out. This overnight mask delivers 24/7 barrier support, season after season.
Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum
Drench your skin in next-level hydration. This supercharged hydrating serum instantly boosts moisture levels by 200%, drawing water into the skin’s surface for long-lasting comfort and radiance. Add it to any skincare regimen for visibly plumper, smoother, and younger-acting skin.
Recommended Use:
- PM only: for normal, combination, or oily skin
- AM + PM: for dry skin Size: 30 mL / 1.0 Fl. Oz. U.S.
Product Details
What it is: A lightweight, high-performance hydrating serum designed to balance moisture levels and prepare the skin to absorb subsequent products more effectively.
Why you need it: Dehydrated skin appears dull, tired, and aged. Clinically proven to increase hydration by 200%, this best-selling formula transforms dry, lackluster skin into a visibly smoother, younger-looking complexion, maintaining continuous hydration for up to 8 hours*.
*Based on an 8-day U.S. clinical and consumer study.
Item Number: ENHEFG1
Key Concerns
- Dryness
- Dehydration
- Tight, uncomfortable skin
Key Benefits
✔ Boosts skin hydration levels by 200% ✔ Locks in moisture for continuous 8-hour hydration ✔ Plumps and softens skin for a youthful glow ✔ Enhances absorption of your entire regimen
Powered by Advanced Hydration Science
3D3P Molecular Matrix A proprietary complex of 30% Glycerin and Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid that draws moisture from the atmosphere and locks it into the skin barrier for lasting comfort.
Glycerin is A proven humectant that prevents water loss and keeps skin supple.
Hyaluronic Acid: A moisture magnet that visibly plumps and firms for a smoother, dewy finish.
ClinicalResults
| Result | Percentage of Participants |
| Increased skin’s moisture retention after 1 week | 100% |
| Improved overall hydration after 2 weeks | 94% |
How to Use
- Use nightly and adjust based on your skin’s needs.
- PM only: for normal, oily, or combination skin
- AM + PM: for dry skin
- Twist the cap counterclockwise to unlock and remove.
- Press the top of the cap to dispense one pump into your hand.
- Apply evenly over the face, avoiding the upper eyelids.
- Immediately follow with the next step in your regimen (Step 2 for Soothe, Spotless, Recharge; Step 3 for Redefine, Reverse, Unblemish).
Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Body Replenish
Transform dry, rough skin into soft, supple, and radiant skin that looks and acts younger. This award-winning body moisturizer delivers instant and continuous hydration, helping prevent future moisture loss for smoother, nourished skin from head to toe.
Recommended Use: Daily, after showering. Reapply as needed. Size: 200 mL / 6.76 Fl. Oz. U.S.
Product Details
What it is: An ultra-hydrating body cream that drenches the skin in moisture, leaving it velvety-soft and beautifully smooth. Its clinically proven technology helps restore and maintain hydration all day long, promoting a visibly younger, healthier-looking glow.
Why you need it:
Hydration is the foundation of youthful skin. This breakthrough body moisturizer not only replenishes lost moisture but also locks it in, creating lasting softness and resilience. Skin looks younger, feels smoother, and stays hydrated longer.
Awards: 🏆 2019 CEW Bath & Body Prestige Award Winner
Item Number: ENBR001
Key Concerns
- Dry, rough, or flaky skin
- Dull, dehydrated appearance
- Lack of smoothness or nourishment
Key Benefits
✔ Provides instant and long-lasting hydration ✔ Prevents future moisture loss ✔ Leaves skin noticeably softer, smoother, and more nourished
Award-Winning Hydration Science
3D3P Molecular Matrix A breakthrough blend containing 30% Glycerin and Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid to draw moisture from the atmosphere and lock it on the skin’s surface.
Glycerin Deeply moisturizes while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier against dryness and environmental stressors.
Hyaluronic Acid Delivers multi-layer hydration for supple, bouncy, and youthful-looking skin.
How to Use
- Apply daily to clean, dry skin after bathing.
- Massage generously over arms, legs, and body.
- Use extra product on rough or dry areas as needed.
- Not intended for facial use.
Experience all-day hydration and visibly younger-acting skin, from the first touch.
See our:
Limited-Time Offer: Free full-size product with any $199+ order. Shop Now
Expert Tips for Sensitive Skin
- Cleanse gently, gel or cream cleansers are ideal
- Avoid alcohol or fragrance in hydrating formulas
- Layer HA before moisturizer, not after oils
- Use a humidifier overnight to help skin retain moisture
- If sensitivity occurs, scale back use and reintroduce gradually once comfort returns
Strengthen your skin barrier with science-backed hydration. Find your perfect regimen now.
