Hyaluronic acid

INCI Name: Sodium Hyaluronate and/or Hyaluronic Acid

What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid has several important functions, supporting the health of the skin and connective tissues. It is an extremely effective water-binding molecule, helping to maintain skin hydration and elasticity while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

It promotes skin cell regeneration, encouraging skin renewal and enhancing skin texture. With anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce irritation and redness. It also aids in wound healing by supporting tissue regeneration.
Hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in lubricating and protecting the joints, aiding in pain relief and facilitating movement. It is widely used in skincare, medical treatments, and dermoesthetic procedures, such as wrinkle-filling injections.
In today’s cosmetics, hyaluronic acid is commonly produced through biotechnological fermentation, using specific microorganisms (like bacteria) to produce the compound. This method is environmentally friendly and provides a pure raw material.

The molecule size—small, medium, or large—affects its ability to penetrate the skin and, therefore, its function in skincare. Small molecules can penetrate deeper layers of the skin, while larger molecules primarily bind moisture on the skin’s surface, preventing water loss.
Benefits of Small Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in skincare
Small molecular weight hyaluronic acid consists of relatively low-mass molecules, typically between 500–800 kDa (kilodaltons), allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin layers. It is especially popular in modern skincare due to its visible benefits.

- Hydration: Helps retain moisture in the skin, enhancing skin texture.
- Cell Regeneration: Promotes skin cell regeneration, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
- Reduces Inflammation: Can help reduce inflammation and skin irritation.
Benefits of Medium Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid
The molecular weight of medium molecular hyaluronic acid is generally between 1000–2000 kDa. It can penetrate the skin more easily than the high-molecular form but not as deeply as the small molecular form.
- Hydration: Effectively binds water, maintaining skin moisture.
- Improves Skin Texture and Elasticity: Contributes to a softer, smoother skin appearance.

Benefits of High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid?
High molecular weight hyaluronic acid usually measures around 1 million daltons (Da) or more. This larger size enables hyaluronic acid to bind water efficiently, creating a protective layer on the skin’s surface. Molecule size may vary based on the source and production methods, but “high molecular weight” generally refers to hyaluronic acid above 500,000 daltons.
- Surface Hydration: Remains on the skin’s surface, providing long-lasting hydration.

Skincare benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
- In Cosmetic Products: Creams, serums, and gels containing hyaluronic acid can be applied directly to the skin.
- Fillers: In plastic surgery, hyaluronic acid is injected under the skin for a volumizing and hydrating effect, commonly used to treat wrinkles and fine lines.
- Microneedling Treatments: Hyaluronic acid is delivered into deeper skin layers using tiny needles, stimulating collagen production and improving skin condition.
- Ultrasound or Iontophoresis Applications: These methods use electric current or ultrasound to enhance hyaluronic acid penetration, improving its absorption into the skin.