Kindly gifted, but honestly reviewed. *Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The products were provided, though the review thereof is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Reviews published on Aesthetic Appointment are intended to be for information purposes only and should not be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns.*

If there’s one thing our highveld winters are famous for (besides the electric blankets and dry noses), it’s just how parched our skin can feel. The moment the humidity drops and heaters get cranked up, my skin practically begs for hydration. So when the Diego dalla Palma Professional HA HERO range landed on my desk, I knew this was going to be a well-timed trial.

This collection is designed to be a deeply hydrating and barrier-strengthening routine, packed with the impressive PRO-HYALURON peptide, a bioactive ingredient that stimulates the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid for firmer, plumper skin. It’s also supported by multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acids and smart skin-plumping ingredients like N-acetylglucosamine, polyglutamic acid, and the 51+3 Hyalu complex, which work to hydrate and rebuild the skin from the inside out.

Over the past two months, I’ve put it to the test through early mornings, makeup days, long-haul editing sessions, and the occasional “why is it so dry in here?” moment. Here’s how I’ve been using it and why it’s earned a place on my winter skincare shelf.

Morning Routine: Dewy but Not Damp

I start with a good cleanse and then spritz on a hydrating mist (not part of the range, but it’s part of me). That preps the skin for what’s next – hydration heroes in the form of a serum, eye treatment, and gel cream moisturiser.

HA HERO Eye Contour Treatment with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin Cocktail

R845.00 (15 ml)

This multi-correction eye treatment comes with a sleek applicator tip, but I’m a creature of habit and still prefer using my ring fingers to gently pat it in. The formula is no slouch – featuring PRO-HYALURON peptide, UP-EYELIDS complex to lift sagging lids and reduce puffiness, caffeine to reawaken tired eyes, and the full 51+3 Hyalu complex with added vitamins C, E, panthenol, coenzyme Q10 and PP. It’s like a green juice for your under-eyes (but far more enjoyable to apply).

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HA HERO Essential Deep Hydration Serum

R1 195.00 (30 ml)

This serum is the heart of the routine. It contains a powerhouse combo:

1.9% HA+ (a blend of high, medium, low, and mini molecular weight hyaluronic acids)

N-acetylglucosamine (a building block for HA synthesis)

Polyglutamic acid (which prevents internal HA breakdown)

It has no scent and the texture is lightweight and fast-absorbing with a protective “memory film” that kicks in even hours after application. Don’t over-rub – I lightly glide over a drop or two and let it sink in before the next step.

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HA HERO Hyalu Light Source Gel-Cream – For Normal Skin

R1 295.00 (50 ml)

This one is ideal for daytime. It has a dreamy scent and silky texture that feels featherlight but packs a hydrating punch, thanks to PRO-HYALURON peptide, camelina oil, and a glow-boosting multivitamin complex. Added illuminating pigments give the skin that elusive “well-rested” glow. It glides on beautifully and plays well with sunscreen, BB cream, and makeup.

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Evening Routine: Locking It All In

Evenings follow the same sequence – cleanse, eye contour, serum – but I switch up the final moisturiser for something richer.

HA HERO Hyalu Ultra-Nourishing Rich Cream – For Very Dry Skin

R1 395.00 (50 ml)

This rich cream (beautifully scented) is what I call the “duvet step”. It’s thick and comforting, without being greasy. With shea butter, plant squalane, multi-ceramide complex, shiunko oil, and more, it really is a dry-skin dream.

The PRO-HYALURON peptide stimulates deeper HA production while fermented Korean angelica, liquorice, and argan oil work to soothe and regenerate. I found it too heavy for daytime, but it’s perfect as my last step before bed, especially after a heater-heavy day.

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Bonus Star: HA HERO Lip Repair Treatment with Ceramides & Hyaluronic Acid

R475.00 (20 ml)

This product was nothing short of exceptional. I’m a certified lip balmer – one in the car, one in the hand bag, three on my desk – so I take this category very seriously.

This nourishing lip treatment keeps my lips soft and hydrated for hours. It contains hyaluronic acid microspheres, multi-ceramide complex, magnolia extract, and vitamin E, all of which help repair and protect lips, especially after aesthetic treatments or Joburg dryness. It can also be used as an intensive repair treatment overnight by applying a very generous layer.

It also gives a subtle pinkish sheen, which I love. My only gripe is that it comes in a pot, which is fine for home use, but I really, truly wish it also came in a tube – I’m not one to stick my finger into a balm tub while I’m on the go. But packaging aside, it’s genuinely one of the best lip treatments I’ve tried.

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Let’s Talk Longevity and Simplicity

What I really appreciate about this range is how long the products last. I’ve been using the entire set for almost two months now and still have plenty left. It’s also incredibly easy to incorporate into an existing routine – no complicated 10-step layering needed, just effective hydration and skin barrier support in a few smartly formulated products.

Final Thoughts

The  Diego dalla Palma Professional HA HERO range is not just a skincare collection – it’s a hydration and skin-plumping survival kit. Every product is packed with proven ingredients and backed by clinical studies (hello 43% hydration increase and 23% reduction in eye wrinkles). It’s also kind to sensitive skin and, honestly, a joy to use.

If your skin is dry, stressed, or feeling a bit “meh” this season, HA HERO may well be your new winter bestie.

You can shop the full range online at www.orleanscosmetics.co.za

Rochelle Friedman

Aesthetic Appointment | rochelle@aestheticappointment.co.za | Website

Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.