In formulating various skin care products, the use of active principles contained in various ingredients is essential. Each of these elements has a specific action on the skin surface or strengthens the functioning of the multiple layers of tissue that compose it. Sodium hyaluronate is one of them.
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What is "Sodium Hyaluronate" and what is its purpose?
Summary
- What is Sodium Hyaluronate?
- What is the usefulness of Sodium Hyaluronate?
- What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid on the skin?
- Which hyaluronic acid-based skincare product should you choose?
Published November 5, 2021,
updated on February 1, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
3 min read
What is Sodium Hyaluronate?
Sodium hyaluronate, also known as hyaluronate sodium, is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a substance highly regarded in the field of cosmetology. This specific fraction of the active ingredient used in this industry is typically extracted from rooster combs. However, it is naturally present in the synovial fluid and cartilaginous tissues of the human body. Generally, this principle is used in the design of therapeutic preparations, but it also serves to enhance dermatological care.
Sodium hyaluronate can present itself in a polyanionic form known as hyaluronan. Originating from animals, this glycosaminoglycan has a viscoelastic texture that is primarily found in the vitreous humor of the eye. It can also be produced synthetically or harvested from animals.
What is the usefulness of Sodium Hyaluronate?
Sodium hyaluronate functions as a lubricant that moistens various tissues in the body. Indeed, it contributes to the modulation of reactions between adjacent tissues by forming a viscoelastic solution in the water stored in cell walls. Thanks to this relatively high increase, tissues and cellular layers such as the corneal, endothelium, or epithelium benefit from good protection. Moreover, the elasticity of this lubricant allows it to absorb various mechanical reactions occurring at the tissue level. It also accelerates wound healing and is generally degraded enzymatically.
Hyaluronic acid is a well-known and appreciated ingredient for formulating skincare products. To facilitate the penetration of active ingredients, it is replaced by sodium hyaluronate, which is a small molecule characterized by its ease of penetration and movement within the layers of the skin.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid on the skin?
Sodium hyaluronate has numerous virtues for the skin. Indeed, this salt, extracted from the heart of hyaluronic acid, proves to be a humectant agent ensuring skin hydration. This molecule adapts and binds to the water contained in cells to create a slight swelling that protects the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's worth noting that this ingredient can retain a quantity of water up to 1,000 times its weight to create an augmenting gel. The plumping effect of sodium hyaluronate is not automatic. Therefore, skincare products containing sodium hyaluronate are generally formulated for mature skin.
Which hyaluronic acid-based skincare product should you choose?
Skincare products containing sodium hyaluronate come in various forms, varying based on the targeted issue to be treated. Its content is also formulated to achieve a good treatment result. During your evening beauty routine, your regular cream can be replaced by a repelling serum containing a 3% dose of hyaluronic acid actives. Simply apply 3 or 4 drops of serum to the area to be treated, then massage to allow the product to penetrate deeply and provide the skin with good hydration. For mature skin, where the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, the use of a skincare product based on sodium hyaluronate is recommended.
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