NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex Review

You may have heard of using hyaluronic acid on your skin. It’s a skincare ingredient known for its hydrating and skin-plumping abilities. It has become very popular in the past few years as an ingredient in skin care products and can benefit all skin types, as it is a substance that naturally occurs in the skin.

NIOD’s Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC2) is not just any hyaluronic acid serum. It’s the most advanced hyaluronic acid serum ingredient list that I’ve ever seen.

I couldn’t wait to give it a try, as it was the first product I tried from NIOD, the sister brand of one of my favorite brands, The Ordinary.

I will discuss my experience and thoughts on the serum in this NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex Review.

This NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex review post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex

NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC2) is the second generation of this NIOD hyaluronic acid serum.

NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex contains a whopping 15 forms of hyaluronic compounds, hyaluronic precursors, and a hyaluronic support technology along with a peptide complex to help increase hydration and improve skin elasticity and plumpness for younger-looking, healthier and bouncier skin.

Formulated at a pH of 4.00 – 5.00, this serum is suitable for all skin types, alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, nut-free, vegan, and gluten-free. It’s also cruelty-free, like The Ordinary and the rest of the Deciem family of products.

Otherwise, if you want to get into the technical details, NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex contains the following hyaluronic technologies:

• Direct Form Hyaluronic Acid (MMHC2): This direct form of hyaluronic acid is not as common and is used less in skincare products than the salt form of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate). This very active form benefits the skin by increasing the look of skin elasticity. The serum contains 1.0% direct hyaluronic acid to offer hydration and pro-repair support.
• Enzyme-Reacted Glucosamine Amide HA Pre-Cursor (Rapid Reaction): This compound comes from enzymatic phosphorylation of N-acetyl-glucosamine through a green chemistry process.
• Bio-Yeast HA Pre-Cursor (Moderate Term Reaction): Made up of oligomers of acetylated glucuronic acids derived from biofermentation.
• Novel HA Pre-Cursor Peptide Complex (Sustained Reaction): The first peptide complex that is pro-decorin (decorin can help tighten the skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines) and pro-lumican (lumican plays an important role in collagen production).
• Myristoyl nonapeptide-3 is a newer peptide that is supposed to provide similar results as retinol like increased cell turnover and collagen synthesis but without unwanted side effects like irritation and redness.
• Marine Hyaluronic Complex of Exopolysaccharides (MMHC2): Fermentation derived from a marine bacterial strain, and sustainably sourced from Brittany, France. Per the manufacturer, it is supposed to provide moisture and improve the look of wrinkles.
• Tamarind-Derived Hyaluronic Complex: Hyaluronic complex that is vegetable-derived and similar to the hyaluronic acid found in the body. This complex supports short-term hydration and with continued use, improves the look of skin elasticity.
• Mushroom-Derived Hyaluronic Acid Complex: Derived from fungi, this hyaluronic acid complex provides high levels of hydration.

• Locust Bean-Derived Hyaluronic Complex: A higher-weight saccharide from the locust bean that provides non-tacky, and nearly weightless surface hydration.
• Hyaluronic Acid Crosspoylmer: A non-animal cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that has a gel structure and forms a film on the skin to continuously deliver hydration with continued use. The delivery of hydration allows for smaller-sized technologies in this serum to be effective while in the presence of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which usually impairs its absorption.
• Very Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Complex: This “near-impossible” low molecular weight hyaluronic acid complex provides extended hydration in a format that has never been associated with hyaluronic acid before.
• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Complex (Low Molecular Weight)This is hyaluronic acid complex provides lasting hydration with continued use.
• Mid Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Complex: Hyaluronic acid complex that provides short-term hydration.
• Fermentation-Derived High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid: A highly-purified hyaluronic acid derived from fermentation to improve surface hydration while preventing moisture loss.
• Hyaluronic Acid Butyrate: Obtained from a butyric acid and hyaluronan reaction, this complex supports a healthy skin barrier.
• Hyaluronic Support System of Adaptogenic Water Starved Clary Sage Flavonoids, Phenylethanoid Glycosides From Narrow Lead Plantain and Dermal Amino Acids (MMHC2): Creates a non-clogging water-protective barrier on the skin to help the skin retain water and support optimal performance from hyaluronic compounds. Multiple amino acids (building blocks of collagen and elastin proteins) moisturize the skin.

The moment I opened the bottle, I could tell it was going to be different. The serum has a very thin consistency, slightly thicker than water. It absorbs into the skin like water with zero stickiness or tackiness. It almost disappears into my skin and leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.

I’ve noticed how plump my skin has been feeling over the past few weeks, even in the dead of winter. I usually struggle with tight, flaky dehydrated skin when it gets really cold out, but I think it’s this serum that is keeping my skin healthy and hydrated.

This is the most expensive hyaluronic acid serum that I’ve tried (although I picked it up during Deciem’s annual November sale at a discount).

Is it worth it? I think it is. This serum has a unique blend of technologies to enhance hydration and comfort. The texture is more comfortable on the skin than any other HA serum I’ve used, and my skin surface and skin barrier are staying intact and healthy.

If you have a dry skin type or if you are dealing with dehydrated, flaky skin in the colder weather months, or you simply want the latest technology in a hyaluronic acid serum, this serum is definitely worth considering.

The serum comes in two sizes, so if you want to give it a try without spending full price, you can get a 15ml (0.5 oz) bottle for $36, or go with the larger 30 ml (1 oz) bottle for $62.

How To Apply NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC2)

Apply AM and PM after cleansing and toning but under other skincare products. (It really works well under other skincare products thanks to its extremely thin consistency.)

NIOD notes that Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex works well with NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1. (I like using them together, as both serums are extremely lightweight and non-sticky.)

They both work well under sunscreen and makeup too. Per NIOD’s directions, apply Copper Amino Isolate Serum first and then follow with NIOD MMHC2.

Be sure to patch test before applying this serum or any new skin care product to your skin for the first time. This is especially important for sensitive skin types.

The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid For Skin

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that is naturally occurring in our skin. The highest concentration of HA is found in the dermal layer (lower layer) of the skin, providing hydration and making our skin look plumper.

Hyaluronic acid is also found in less concentrated amounts in the spaces between skin cells in the epidermis (upper layer of skin). It acts as a cushion and helps maintain the skin’s structure. The smallest amount of HA is found in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of our skin.

Hyaluronic acid becomes even more important as we age because the amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases due to various factors. This decrease can cause fine lines and wrinkles to form on the face and dehydration and dryness to appear on the skin.

Replenishing your skin with topical hyaluronic acid can help plump the skin, fill in fine lines and wrinkles, keep your skin hydrated, and ensure that your skin stays moisturized.

Many different types of hyaluronic acid molecules are available for use in skincare products that provide different benefits for the skin based on their size and chemical format.

Alternatives to NIOD NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex

Definitely not as elegant in texture as NIOD, but much cheaper. Please see my complete review for more details on The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid.

The different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid are used to provide maximum hydration benefits for dry, dehydrated skin.

As a bonus, The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid serum contains Matrixyl 3000 peptide, a peptide duo that supports collagen production for reduced wrinkles and skin roughness and firmer skin with improved elasticity.

Related Post: The Inkey List Review

About NIOD

Part of the Deciem family of skincare brands founded in 2013 by Brandon Truaxe, NIOD stands for “Non-Invasive Options in Dermal Science” and is skincare for the hyper-educated featuring scientifically advanced ingredients.

NIOD avoids trends and marketing to offer skincare solutions that support skin health and long-lasting results.

The brand uses clinically advanced ingredients with cutting-edge delivery systems, really unlike any other skincare brand out there.

NIOD offers a portfolio of skincare products that address a variety of skin concerns, including wrinkles, dryness, and acne, to get optimal results with minimal irritation. The products are all about long-lasting results as opposed to short-term and superficial benefits.

If you are a skincare enthusiast like me, NIOD is a really interesting, forward-thinking brand. You may find yourself wanting to try all of their products. I purchased several and will provide honest reviews of my experience with them in the coming weeks and months.

NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex: The Ultimate Hyaluronic Acid Serum

For me, this unique hyaluronic acid product was worth the price for its very advanced formula.

If you’re someone who struggles with dry skin or dehydrated skin that feels tight and uncomfortable during extreme weather, this product might be worth trying.

The thin and comfortable consistency makes it easy to layer other skincare products on top, and I am pleased with my results after using it for several weeks.

Thanks for reading!