If you've ever flipped over a skincare bottle, scanned the label of a joint supplement, or even asked your dermatologist about anti-aging treatments, there's a good chance you've come across three little letters: HA. Short for hyaluronic acid, this unassuming ingredient has quietly become a powerhouse in the beauty, wellness, and medical industries. From plumping serums that promise dewy skin to injections that smooth fine lines, and even supplements that support joint health, HA is everywhere—and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
But here's the thing: not all HA markets are created equal. In 2025, two global giants stand out as major players: the United States and China. Each has its own strengths, challenges, and unique approach to producing, marketing, and consuming hyaluronic acid. So, which one is leading the charge? Let's dive in and explore the showdown between the USA and China in the HA arena—no lab coats required, just a curious mind and a love for all things skincare and wellness.
First, Let's Get to Know Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is and Why It Matters
Before we pit the USA and China against each other, let's make sure we're all on the same page about what hyaluronic acid actually is. Contrary to what some might think, HA isn't some futuristic lab-created chemical—it's a substance your body already produces naturally. Found in your skin, joints, and eyes, its main job is to retain moisture. In fact, one gram of HA can hold up to 6 liters of water. That's like a tiny sponge for your cells, keeping tissues hydrated, plump, and lubricated.
As we age, though, our bodies produce less HA. That's why our skin starts to lose elasticity, joints feel stiffer, and eyes get drier. Enter the beauty and wellness industries: by extracting or synthesizing HA, companies can create products that replenish what time takes away. Today, HA is used in everything from hyaluronic acid skin care products (think serums, moisturizers, and masks) to oral supplements, injectable fillers, and even eye drops. Its versatility is part of what makes it so valuable—and why the global HA market is projected to hit over $15 billion by 2028, according to Grand View Research.
But here's where the USA and China come into play: while both markets are massive, they operate in very different ways. Let's start by looking at how each country approaches HA production, consumption, and innovation.
The USA Market: Innovation, Consumer Demand, and the "Premium" Push
Walk into any Sephora, CVS, or even your local health food store in the U.S., and you'll see shelves lined with HA products. From The Ordinary's budget-friendly Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum to luxury brands like SkinCeuticals charging $100+ for their HA-infused formulas, the U.S. market is all about choice—and catering to a consumer base that's increasingly educated and discerning.
Consumer Trends: Skincare Obsession and "Clean" Beauty
Americans love their skincare routines, and HA has become a staple. A 2024 survey by Statista found that 68% of U.S. women aged 18–34 use a serum containing hyaluronic acid, and 42% of men in the same age group are following suit. Why? Because hyaluronic acid skin benefits are hard to ignore: instant hydration, reduced appearance of fine lines, and a dewy, "glass skin" finish that's all over social media.
But it's not just about moisture. U.S. consumers are also demanding products that align with their values. "Clean" beauty—products free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances—has taken off, and HA brands are responding. Companies like The Inkey List and Paula's Choice now market their HA serums as "fragrance-free" and "dermatologist-tested," appealing to the eco-conscious and sensitive-skin crowds. Even hyaluronic acid supplements are getting the clean treatment, with brands like Vital Proteins and Sports Research emphasizing "non-GMO" and "gluten-free" labels.
Regulatory Rigor: The FDA's Watchful Eye
If there's one thing the U.S. market is known for, it's strict regulations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees HA products, with different rules depending on how they're used. For example, HA used in skincare (a cosmetic) is regulated less strictly than HA used in injectable fillers (a medical device). Injectables like Juvéderm and Restylane must undergo rigorous testing to prove safety and efficacy before hitting the market, which can take years and cost millions.
This regulatory rigor has pros and cons. On the plus side, consumers trust that FDA-approved products are safe—important when considering questions like, " Is hyaluronic acid safe ?" For the most part, yes: topical HA is generally gentle, and oral supplements are considered low-risk. But the strictness can also slow down innovation. Smaller brands might struggle to afford the testing required to launch new HA-based medical products, giving larger corporations an edge.
Key Players: From Drugstore to Luxury
The U.S. HA market is dominated by a mix of established giants and buzzy startups. In the skincare space, The Ordinary (owned by Deciem) has revolutionized accessibility with its $7 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum, often cited as one of the best hyaluronic acid serum options for budget shoppers. On the luxury end, SkinCeuticals and La Mer offer HA-infused products that blend science with prestige, targeting consumers willing to splurge on "clinical-grade" formulas.
In the supplement world, companies like Now Foods and Nature's Bounty lead the charge, offering affordable HA pills and powders. Meanwhile, medical device companies like Allergan (maker of Juvéderm) dominate the injectables market, which accounts for a huge chunk of U.S. HA revenue—over $3 billion annually, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The China Market: Production Powerhouse, Scale, and Tech-Driven Growth
If the U.S. is the king of HA consumption and innovation, China is the queen of production. For decades, China has been the world's largest manufacturer of hyaluronic acid, producing over 80% of the global supply, according to industry reports. That's right—even many U.S. brands source their HA from Chinese suppliers. But in recent years, China hasn't just been making HA for the world; it's been building its own massive consumer market, too.
Production Prowess: Biofermentation and Cost Efficiency
China's dominance in HA production comes down to two things: technology and scale. While HA was once extracted from animal sources (like rooster combs), most modern HA is made via biofermentation—a process that uses bacteria to produce HA in a lab. Chinese companies like Bloomage Biotech (formerly Bloomage Freda) and Focus Chem have perfected this method, allowing them to produce high-purity HA at a fraction of the cost of traditional extraction.
This cost efficiency has made China the go-to supplier for HA raw materials. Whether it's low-molecular-weight HA for serums (which penetrates skin deeper) or high-molecular-weight HA for joint supplements, Chinese manufacturers can produce it in bulk, driving down prices for brands worldwide. In 2024, Bloomage Biotech alone held over 40% of the global HA raw material market share—a staggering number that highlights China's production dominance.
Consumer Boom: Skincare, Supplements, and "Beauty Tech"
While China has long exported HA, its domestic market is now exploding. Thanks to a growing middle class and a youth-driven obsession with skincare (dubbed "yangyan" or "face-raising"), Chinese consumers are snapping up HA products faster than ever. Platforms like Alibaba and JD.com report that sales of HA serums and moisturizers grew by 72% in 2023, and oral HA supplements (marketed as "beauty from within") saw a 95% jump in the same period.
Chinese brands are also innovating in ways that cater to local tastes. For example, many HA skincare products in China include additional ingredients like ginseng or pearl extract, blending traditional Chinese medicine with modern science. There's also a focus on "beauty tech": devices like at-home LED masks that enhance HA absorption, or apps that analyze your skin and recommend personalized HA routines. This blend of tradition and tech is resonating with young consumers, who are more likely to trust domestic brands than imported ones.
Regulatory Landscape: NMPA and the Push for Quality
China's regulatory body, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), has historically been less strict than the FDA, but that's changing. In 2021, China updated its cosmetic regulations to require stricter testing and labeling for ingredients like HA, aiming to boost consumer trust and compete globally. Now, HA products must undergo safety assessments and list all ingredients clearly—moves that mirror U.S. and EU standards.
This shift is important because China wants to move beyond just producing raw materials; it wants to build global brands. Companies like Bloomage Biotech are now launching their own consumer lines (like Bio-MESO) in international markets, including the U.S. and Europe. To do that, they need to meet strict regulatory standards, and the NMPA's updates are helping them get there.
USA vs. China: Head-to-Head in 2025
Now that we've explored both markets, let's break down how they stack up in key areas. To make it easier, here's a quick comparison:
| Category | United States | China |
|---|---|---|
| Market Size (2025 Projection) | $4.2 billion (consumer products + medical) | $6.8 billion (raw materials + domestic consumer) |
| Production Share | ~5% of global raw material production | ~80% of global raw material production |
| Top Applications | Injectable fillers, premium skincare, supplements | Raw material export, mass-market skincare, oral supplements |
| Consumer Focus | Premium, clean, clinical-grade products | Affordable, tech-integrated, tradition-meets-modern |
| Key Challenge | High production costs, regulatory hurdles for new products | Breaking into global consumer markets, quality perception |
Looking at these numbers, it's clear that both markets are thriving, but in different ways. The U.S. leads in high-margin products like injectable fillers and luxury skincare, while China dominates in raw material production and mass-market consumer goods. But which one is "leading" in 2025? It depends on how you define "leadership."
If we're talking about innovation and consumer trust, the U.S. has the edge. American brands are quick to adopt new HA technologies (like cross-linked HA for longer-lasting fillers or time-release HA in serums) and have built strong reputations for safety and efficacy. When someone in Paris or Tokyo asks for the best hyaluronic acid serum , they're often thinking of U.S. or European brands—though the HA in those serums might come from China.
If we're talking about scale, production, and future growth potential, China is unbeatable. With its massive manufacturing capacity, growing domestic market, and investments in R&D, China is poised to not just supply the world with HA but to become a global consumer brand leader, too. By 2030, some analysts predict China's consumer HA market could overtake the U.S.'s, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and rising disposable income.
Challenges Ahead: What Could Slow Them Down?
Of course, neither market is without its hurdles. For the U.S., the biggest challenge is cost. Producing HA domestically is expensive, and relying on Chinese raw materials leaves brands vulnerable to supply chain disruptions (like the ones we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic). There's also growing competition from European brands, which are gaining ground in the premium skincare space with their own HA innovations.
For China, the main issue is perception. Despite producing high-quality HA, some global consumers still associate Chinese products with "cheap" or "low-quality"—a stereotype companies like Bloomage Biotech are working hard to break. There's also the challenge of navigating complex international regulations, especially in the EU, where cosmetic ingredient rules are even stricter than the FDA's.
Both markets also face a common threat: saturation. As more brands jump on the HA bandwagon, consumers are becoming overwhelmed with choices, making it harder for new products to stand out. To stay ahead, companies will need to focus on differentiation—whether through unique formulations (like HA combined with retinol or vitamin C), sustainable packaging, or personalized skincare tech.
So, Who Leads in 2025? The Verdict
At the end of the day, the question of whether the USA or China leads the hyaluronic acid market in 2025 doesn't have a simple answer. It's more of a tie—with each market excelling in different areas. The U.S. is the innovation and consumer trust leader, driving demand for premium, science-backed HA products. China is the production and scale leader, keeping the global HA market supplied and building a domestic consumer base that's set to explode.
But here's the exciting part: this isn't a competition—it's a collaboration. U.S. brands rely on Chinese suppliers for affordable, high-quality HA, while Chinese manufacturers benefit from the U.S.'s insatiable demand for skincare and supplements. Together, they're pushing the HA market forward, making this moisture-retaining powerhouse accessible to more people than ever before.
Whether you're reaching for a best hyaluronic acid serum from The Ordinary (made with Chinese HA) or a budget-friendly moisturizer from a Chinese brand like Miniso, you're part of this global story. And as both markets continue to grow and innovate, one thing's for sure: hyaluronic acid isn't going anywhere. It's here to stay—hydrating our skin, supporting our joints, and bridging the gap between two global giants in the process.
