Does Magnesium Affect Hyaluronic Acid Production and Skin Health?

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent scientific studies, such as one published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, have shown that magnesium ions can significantly promote cellular hyaluronic acid production. This discovery reveals a crucial, interconnected relationship between these two components, essential for maintaining skin moisture, elasticity, and overall health.

Quick Summary

Magnesium is a critical cofactor for the enzymes that synthesize hyaluronic acid in the body, which boosts skin hydration and barrier function. Proper magnesium levels are vital for optimal connective tissue health, while a deficiency can impair hyaluronic acid synthesis. Some specific supplement formulations or timing may affect oral absorption, but generally, the relationship is synergistic.

Key Points

Magnesium is a key cofactor: Magnesium ions are crucial for activating the hyaluronan synthase (HAS) enzymes responsible for producing hyaluronic acid within skin cells.
Supports skin health: The magnesium-promoted increase in hyaluronic acid leads to enhanced skin hydration, barrier function, and a plumper, more youthful appearance.
Deficiency impairs synthesis: Low magnesium levels can inactivate hyaluronan synthetases, leading to a breakdown of connective tissue and potentially compromising skin health.
Dietary sources matter: Consuming magnesium-rich foods like kale, almonds, and sweet potatoes can support the body's natural production of hyaluronic acid.
Timing supplements might help: While often combined, some oral hyaluronic acid supplements might affect the absorption of other minerals like magnesium if taken at the exact same time.

The Foundational Link: Magnesium and Hyaluronan Synthase

Magnesium's influence on hyaluronic acid (HA) production is not a passive one; it is a direct, mechanistic interaction at the cellular level. Research, including a notable study from Shiseido in collaboration with a pharmaceutical university, highlighted this connection by showing that supplementing epidermal cells with magnesium chloride (MgCl2) elevated the expression of hyaluronan synthase (HAS) enzymes. HAS enzymes, specifically HAS2 and HAS3, are the primary drivers of HA synthesis in the body.

The Cellular Mechanism in Detail

The process works as follows:

Magnesium ions ($Mg^{2+}$) are absorbed into epidermal cells via special magnesium transporters.
Once inside, the magnesium activates a cellular signaling pathway involving glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) and the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB).
This pathway, in turn, up-regulates the gene expression of HAS2/3, leading to an increase in the actual production of hyaluronic acid.
Conversely, researchers found that when magnesium transporters were not functional, HA production was not promoted, cementing magnesium's critical role. A deficiency in magnesium can inactivate hyaluronan synthetases, leading to a breakdown of connective tissue.

Magnesium's Role in Skin Hydration and Repair

The promotion of HA production by magnesium has tangible benefits for skin health. Since hyaluronic acid is famous for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, increased production results in enhanced skin moisturization and plumpness. This effect contributes to a more youthful appearance by reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Beyond aesthetics, the interaction supports skin barrier function and wound repair. HA facilitates cell migration to injured areas, a process that is enhanced by optimal magnesium levels.

Dietary Sources of Magnesium to Boost HA

Adequate magnesium intake is crucial for supporting this internal synthesis process. Approximately half the US population consumes less than the recommended amount of magnesium daily, which can impact HA production. To boost your levels naturally, consider incorporating magnesium-rich foods into your diet. Some excellent sources include:

Leafy Greens: Kale and spinach are particularly rich in magnesium.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are packed with this essential mineral.
Legumes: Black beans, chickpeas, and lentils are good sources.
Whole Grains: Brown rice and oatmeal can contribute to your daily intake.
Tubers: Sweet potatoes offer a healthy dose of magnesium.

Understanding the Supplement Interaction Nuance

While magnesium and hyaluronic acid are synergistic in the body's synthesis process, a potential interaction exists with oral supplements. Some research, albeit primarily in the context of equine nutrition, suggests that certain gut-healing supplements containing HA may create a protective barrier in the digestive tract. This could potentially slow or interfere with the absorption of other minerals, including magnesium. To minimize any theoretical absorption conflicts when taking both supplements, a simple strategy is to separate the doses by a few hours. Numerous multi-ingredient supplements combine these compounds successfully, indicating that for most people, the interaction is not a significant issue.

Comparison of Magnesium and Hyaluronic Acid Interactions


Interaction Type	Magnesium's Effect	Hyaluronic Acid's Effect	Impact on Skin Health
Cellular Synthesis	Acts as a critical cofactor for hyaluronan synthase enzymes (HAS2/3).	Is the molecule synthesized, which holds moisture and lubricates tissues.	Synergistic and Positive: Magnesium directly boosts the body's natural HA production, leading to better hydration and repair.
Topical Application	Improves skin barrier function and reduces inflammation.	Provides external hydration by drawing moisture to the skin's surface.	Complementary and Positive: Both ingredients work to improve skin's texture and moisture levels when applied topically.
Oral Supplementation	Supports numerous enzymatic functions, including HA synthesis.	Provides building blocks for endogenous HA production.	Generally Positive: Often combined in supplements for joint and skin health.
Oral Absorption	Can potentially be hindered by mucilaginous HA supplements if taken simultaneously.	Can theoretically create a gut barrier that slows mineral absorption.	Potentially Negative: This specific, context-dependent interaction can be mitigated by separating intake times.

Conclusion: A Synergistic Partnership for Skin Vitality

In conclusion, the answer to the question "does magnesium affect hyaluronic acid?" is a resounding yes, and in a deeply positive way for skin health. As a vital cofactor for the enzymes responsible for creating hyaluronic acid, adequate magnesium levels are essential for the body to maintain proper skin hydration, elasticity, and repair mechanisms. While a minor absorption consideration exists for oral supplementation, the overall relationship is highly complementary. By ensuring sufficient magnesium intake through diet or targeted supplementation, individuals can effectively support and optimize their body's natural hyaluronic acid synthesis for healthier, more resilient skin. This synergistic partnership underscores the importance of a holistic approach to skincare that addresses both topical treatments and foundational nutritional needs.

For more information on the intricate cellular mechanisms and research behind this interaction, refer to the study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences: Elevation of Hyaluronan Synthase by Magnesium Supplementation in Keratinocyte Cell Line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is generally safe to take magnesium and hyaluronic acid supplements together. Many combined supplements for joint and skin health include both ingredients. If you have concerns about absorption, you can take them at separate times of the day, a few hours apart.

Magnesium is a vital mineral that promotes hyaluronic acid production by activating the hyaluronan synthase (HAS) enzymes in epidermal cells. These enzymes are responsible for creating new HA molecules, which are essential for skin moisture and elasticity.

A deficiency in magnesium can lead to the inactivation of hyaluronan synthetases, the enzymes that produce hyaluronic acid. This can result in increased degradation of hyaluronan, impaired connective tissue formation, and reduced skin hydration and resilience.

Yes, topical application of magnesium salts has been shown to enhance skin hydration, improve barrier repair, and reduce inflammation. When used alongside a hyaluronic acid serum, which draws moisture to the skin, their complementary actions can provide enhanced moisturization and skin-soothing benefits.

While diet is the best source for most nutrients, about half the US population does not get enough magnesium from food alone. A varied diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains is a great start, but supplements can help ensure optimal levels, especially if your dietary intake is insufficient.

There is some theoretical concern, based on research in equine supplements, that some HA formulations could create a coating in the gut that slows mineral absorption. However, for most human supplement uses, this is not a significant issue. To be safe, spacing out the intake of your HA and magnesium supplements is a simple solution.

The positive relationship extends to other areas where hyaluronic acid is critical, such as joint health. Magnesium supports collagen formation, and its role as an enzyme cofactor benefits connective tissue health overall, which helps lubricate and protect joints.