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Humectant

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate is the most common form of hyaluronic acid in cosmetics. The smaller molecule penetrates the stratum corneum better than traditional HA and retains water more effectively at the cellular level.

HydrationHA formPlumpingPenetration
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. In INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate. It differs from Hyaluronic Acid (HA) by having a smaller molecular size and better water solubility. Molecular weight varies: high MW (1–1.8 MDa) — surface hydration, low MW (10–300 kDa) — deeper penetration. Ultra-low MW (<10 kDa) — maximum penetration.

The main humectant in the vast majority of water-based products — toners, essences, serums, and creams. Present in almost every modern moisturizing product due to its stability and effectiveness.

Key Benefits

✦
Better penetration into the stratum corneum
The sodium salt of HA has a smaller molecular size and higher water solubility compared to free hyaluronic acid — it penetrates the upper layers of the stratum corneum and hydrates from within, not just on the surface.
◈
Powerful moisture retention
Retains up to 1000× its weight in water — creates a "water reservoir" effect in the stratum corneum. Different molecular weights in one formula provide multi-level hydration: surface plumping + deep hydration.
✧
Stable and safe profile
Sodium hyaluronate is more stable during storage and pH variations compared to free HA. Well tolerated by all skin types, including reactive and atopic.

Suitable for

For all skin typesDehydrated skinMature skinSensitive skin

Main Actions

✓ Deep hydration✓ Moisture retention✓ Plumping✓ Barrier restoration
Sodium hyaluronate vs Hyaluronic Acid — the difference

Both components hydrate the skin, but sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecule and better penetration. In practice, the difference in the intensity of the effect is small — molecular weight (low vs high MW) is more important than the salt form. Look for formulas with multiple MW variants for complete hydration.

CategoryHumectants
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