Sodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found throughout the body. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the most powerful humectants. Different molecular weights provide multi-layer hydration.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Holds up to 1000x its weight in water
+ Provides intense, immediate hydration
+ Plumps skin and reduces fine lines
+ Multi-molecular-weight options for layered delivery
+ Naturally present in skin (biocompatible)
Pros
+ Exceptional water-binding capacity
+ Skin-identical molecule
+ Available in multiple molecular weights
+ Suitable for all skin types including sensitive
+ Clinically proven hydration efficacy
Cons
− Large MW forms sit on skin surface without penetration
− Can increase TEWL in very dry environments
− Requires occlusive over-layer in arid climates
− Degraded by hyaluronidase enzyme in skin
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Eye, Body, Hair
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Biotech (fermentation)
Natural Level
Natural-derived
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
0/5 (none)
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
EWG Score
1/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Hydrating serum
0.1 - 2%
Moisturizer
0.05 - 0.5%
Toner / Essence
0.05 - 0.5%
References
Papakonstantinou E et al. (2012) — Hyaluronic acid review. PMID: 23385523
Pavicic T et al. (2011) — HA formulations efficacy. PMID: 21492123