An injectable hyaluronic acid composition including a hyaluronic acid; a local anesthetic selected from the group of amide and ester type local anesthetics or a combination thereof; and an ascorbic acid derivative in an amount which prevents or reduces the effect on the viscosity and/or elastic modulus G′; of the composition caused by the local anesthetic upon sterilization by heat. Further, the medical and non-medical, such as cosmetic, use of such a composition, and to a method of manufacturing such a composition.