Hey Reader!

Have you ever layered on a hyaluronic acid serum in winter… only to feel dry again an hour later? It’s confusing, especially for an ingredient that’s supposed to hold up to 1,000x its weight in water.

But here’s the part most people don’t know:

When the air is dry, hyaluronic acid doesn’t have much water to pull from, which means it can leave skin feeling tighter, not plumper.

That’s why winter is the perfect time to explore hydrators that perform better in low humidity.

Let’s talk about natural alternatives that keep your skin soft, bouncy, and deeply hydrated all season long.

Why Hyaluronic Acid Isn’t a Winter MVP

In dry or cold climates, HA can’t draw moisture from the air, so it grabs it from the surface layers of your skin instead.

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That’s why you may notice:

• Tightness after using HA
• Makeup clinging to dry patches
• A feeling of “dehydrated but greasy”
• Skin looking dull instead of plump

It’s not that HA is bad.
It just struggles when humidity is low, and there is not excess water on your skin, which is exactly what happens during colder months.

Winter calls for ingredients that can bind, hold, or slow water loss more effectively.

5 Natural Hydration Alternatives That Shine in Winter

These naturally derived ingredients not only hydrate, many of them help support the barrier, improve water retention, and keep skin soft even in low humidity.

1. Tremella (Snow Mushroom)

This botanical is known for holding water in a flexible, gel-like matrix.
It behaves similarly to HA but forms a more breathable, moisture-locking film on the skin.
Ideal for cold, dry air.

2. Beta-Glucan

A humectant with powerful soothing properties.
It can penetrate deeper than HA and is exceptional for sensitive or irritated winter skin.

3. Aloe Vera

Lightweight but incredibly hydrating.
Its polysaccharides help bind water while calming dry, tight, or inflamed winter skin.
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4. Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)

A hydration stabilizer that attracts and holds moisture — but also strengthens the skin barrier at the same time.
Perfect if winter tends to leave your skin feeling raw or reactive.
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5. Glycerin (A Classic, for Good Reason)

One of the most effective humectants on the planet.
Glycerin performs beautifully in all humidity levels which makes it a reliable winter staple.

How to Use These Winter-Friendly Humectants

A simple winter hydration strategy:

✔ Choose humectants that perform well in low humidity (like glycerin, beta-glucan, snow mushroom)
✔ Layer them under a nourishing moisturizer
✔ Add an occlusive if your environment is especially dry
✔ Always apply to damp skin to lock in extra water

This combo protects hydration during the season when TEWL rises and moisture escapes most rapidly.

👉 Explore winter-friendly HA alternatives that truly hydrate

Want To Learn Even More About The Science of Skincare?

Check out these related articles on RelatableSci.com that break down the science of skincare a little more.

Do you want to read past newsletters? Head over to the archive of all of our previous newsletter series.

​Relatable Skincare Report Archive​

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Wishing you a great week,

Allie

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