By Hilary Metcalfe 

Acne-prone skin often walks a fine line between needing hydration and avoiding 

When my skin first shifted into hormonal acne years ago, I made the same mistake most of us do: I tried to dry it out. I avoided anything hydrating, assuming moisture would make the breakouts worse. The result? My barrier became fragile, my skin became reactive, and the breakouts became more persistent.
Once I introduced gentle, non-comedogenic hydration back into my routine, everything changed, and that experience shaped the philosophy behind our formulations at The SABI today.

Xx,

Hilary - Co-founder of The SABI

Gentle, non-comedogenic, and deeply hydrating, hyaluronic acid is a game-changer for acne-prone skin.

Acne-prone skin often walks a fine line between needing hydration and avoiding ingredients that might trigger congestion. For years, people with oily or reactive skin were told to avoid hydration entirely. But one ingredient challenges this outdated guidance: hyaluronic acid.

Let’s break down the myths and highlight what the science actually says.

Myth #1: Hydration Leads to Breakouts

This is one of the most common misconceptions in skincare.
Dehydrated skin overproduces oil, which can increase congestion and clog pores.

When hydration levels drop, the skin compensates by increasing sebum production. This creates the exact problem most acne-prone people are trying to avoid.

How It Works

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant. It attracts water into the skin — it does not add oil and does not sit heavily on the surface. Because of its molecular structure, hyaluronic acid boosts hydration inside the skin where it’s most needed, without triggering oiliness.

Hydration and Sebum Relationship (Chart)

Myth #2: Hyaluronic Acid Clogs Pores

The assumption that all serums or hydrators clog pores is outdated. Hyaluronic acid molecules are water-binding and non-comedogenic, meaning they cannot block pores.

The ingredient absorbs into the skin’s upper layers rather than forming a film that interferes with natural oil flow.

The SABI Solution

The Active Nutrient Serum combines hyaluronic acid with calming botanical extracts and barrier-supportive nutrients. It delivers hydration without congestion — ideal for hormonally reactive, acne-prone, or sensitive skin.

Myth #3: Hydration Cannot Soothe Inflammation

Acne is not only a pore issue — it’s an inflammatory condition.
While hydration alone does not eliminate acne, hydrated skin has a more robust immune response and recovers more quickly.

How Hyaluronic Acid Helps

• Soothing Irritation: Adequately hydrated skin is better able to repair post-breakout damage and redness.

• Barrier Support: Hyaluronic acid reinforces the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing exposure to irritants that can worsen acne.

Barrier Strength and Acne Severity (Chart)

Why Hyaluronic Acid Is Essential for Acne-Prone Skin

• Lightweight Hydration: Delivers moisture without greasiness.

• Balances Oil Production: Prevents the dehydration-oil cycle that fuels breakouts.

• Compatible With Actives: Helps buffer the dryness from salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids.

• Broad Suitability: Effective for teenage acne, adult hormonal breakouts, postpartum skin shifts, and sensitive skin.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin

1. Apply After Cleansing: Always on slightly damp skin to maximise absorption.

2. Layer With Actives: Use hyaluronic acid before applying acne treatments.

3. Seal It In: Follow with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser.

Real Talk: Does Hyaluronic Acid Prevent Breakouts?

Hyaluronic acid does not act on acne-causing bacteria directly.
But it creates the conditions for clearer skin by strengthening the barrier, balancing hydration, reducing inflammation, and preventing excessive sebum production.

For persistent, cystic, or severely inflamed acne, hyaluronic acid works best as part of a broader treatment plan with a dermatologist.

ABOUT HILARY Hilary is the Co-Founder of the SABI, a Holistic Nutritionist, natural, whole foods Chef, product developer and advocate for women getting to know their bodies, cycles and selves better. Born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Baja California, Mexico, she now lives in Los Cabos with her partner Kees, a curly-tailed rescue dog from Curacao, Flint and her rainbow babies Paloma and Bea.

HORMONAL & PROUD

Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI is changing the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and even, pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.

We invite you to get to know your body and its cycles better –– to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormones to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. We are here to help with the information, understanding and natural tools to support your body and the emotional process along with it.

DISCLAIMER

The SABI blog and articles are not meant to instruct or advise on medical or health conditions, but to inform. The information and opinions presented here do not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals for your unique situation.

References

Ng, M. S., et al. (2018). Non-comedogenic properties of skincare products containing hyaluronic acid. Dermatological Reviews, 36(4), 120–126.
Fabbrocini, G., et al. (2010). Acne scarring and the role of hydration in skin recovery. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 35(5), 593–598.