Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid)
INCI Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid. A humectant that binds many times its weight in water for plumper-looking, hydrated skin.
- Typical use range
- 0.1–2% per the literature, not our formula
- Also known as
- Hyaluronic acid, HA, Hyaluronan, Sodium hyaluronic acid
Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a sugar-based molecule (a glycosaminoglycan) that occurs naturally in skin, where it holds water in the spaces between cells. The salt form is more stable and dissolves more readily than the free acid, which is why it is the version most serums use.
Its job in a formula is hydration. Hyaluronate binds a large amount of water relative to its weight and holds it at the skin surface, giving a plumper, smoother look and softening the appearance of fine dehydration lines. Molecular weight matters: high-weight grades form a breathable film on the surface, while lower-weight grades sit within the upper layers. Many formulas combine several weights for that reason.
Typical use is 0.1–2%; more than that turns a serum sticky without improving hydration. In very dry air a humectant can draw water from the skin as well as toward it, so hyaluronate works best applied to damp skin and followed by a moisturiser or sunscreen that seals it in.
Where you will find it.
Percentages are read from each product's stated active complex. Where none is stated the ingredient appears in the full INCI only.
Is sodium hyaluronate as good as hyaluronic acid?
It is the same molecule in salt form, and the form most formulas rely on because it is more stable and dissolves more readily.
Why does my skin sometimes feel tight after a hyaluronic serum?
In dry air a humectant can pull water from below if nothing seals it in. Apply to slightly damp skin and follow with a moisturiser or sunscreen.
- CosIng, Sodium Hyaluronate (EU cosmetic ingredient database) ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
- Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: a key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253–258.