If you’re part of the dry skin set, then the ingredient hyaluronic acid (HA) might already be in your skincare vocabulary. It’s a staple humectant in skincare formulations due to its powerful hydrating and anti-aging benefits. Then there’s sodium hyaluronate (SH), which sounds similar to hyaluronic acid. Distinguishing between the two can make choosing the right products super-confusing for moisture-seekers. So, here’s a simple breakdown of everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate.
What is hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide (aka bonded sugar molecules), which can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It’s naturally found in our skin, eyes, and joints, and its job is to maintain moisture to keep our bodies cushioned with lubrication. In skincare, this moisture-attracting ingredient keeps skin mega-hydrated, plump and elastic!
What is sodium hyaluronate? You might be surprised to learn that sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are kindred. Sodium hyaluronate is actually derived from hyaluronic acid, in a salt form that is water-soluble (meaning it can be dissolved in water) and way more stable. Since it’s extracted from hyaluronic acid, it can also hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water and has the same moisture-boosting, wrinkle-softening benefits!
How are they different? The difference is in their molecular size, which determines how deeply they penetrate your skin:
- Bigger: Hyaluronic acid is larger in molecular size, so it coats your skin’s surface instead of being absorbed and attracts moisture from the environment to hydrate your skin.
- Smaller: Sodium hyaluronate has a molecular weight that’s smaller than hyaluronic acid. This gives it the ability to penetrate your skin more easily and work beneath the surface to boost hydration.
Do they have the same benefits? The answer is yes!
- Hydration: They both bind water to provide intense hydration to your skin.
- Anti-aging: They both amp up moisture in your skin, which helps keeps it plump and elastic. This contributes to softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Calming: They both increase hydration, and decrease discomfort and inflammation caused by dryness.
- Helps prevent blemishes: They both keep skin moisturized, which helps prevent excess oil and invading bacteria.
- For everyone: They are both gentle on your skin, even for those who are sensitive.
So, which one is better? Here are a few points to take into consideration:
- How dry or oily your skin is
- If the climate is dry or humid
- If you’re looking to slow the signs of aging
Now that you know more about the similarities and differences between hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate, it should help make it easier to select the right products for your skin.
- For multi-tasking moisture, look no further than our RESTORE Propolis Collagen Gel, a lightweight moisturizing gel formulated with sodium hyaluronate and propolis to boost hydration, plus hydrolyzed collagen to plump and smooth, niacinamide and white mulberry root to brighten, and green tea and honey to soothe inflammation.
- To maintain moisture when cleansing, our REFRESH Jade Purifying Cleanser includes sodium hyaluronate, propolis, ceramides and other emollients to help ensure no moisture is stripped away from your skin. It also features Jade+ water to purify, licorice root and sweet orange peel to brighten, and green tea and Korean angelica to keep skin calm and pH-balanced – this cleanser has a pH of 5.4.
- For more intensive treatment, our award-winning sheet mask set, 7-Day Skin Care System, includes sodium hyaluronate in every mask to make sure skin is ultra-moisturized while also treating specific skin concerns ranging from replenishing hydration to fading hyperpigmentation to fighting the signs of aging.
For more skincare tips and information, follow us @aloisiabeauty!
-The Aloisia Beauty Team
