Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate at a Glance
- Sodium hyaluronate that has gone through the process of hydrolysis
- Lower molecular weight than sodium hyaluronate (whose molecular weight is lower than hyaluronic acid)
- Sometimes referred to as “ultra-low weight hyaluronic acid”
- White power in its raw form
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate Description
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate is sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid) that has gone through the process of hydrolysis. This process involves changing an ingredient from one form to another by the addition of water or enzymes. In this case, it results in a form of sodium hyaluronate with a lower molecular weight, meaning it can more readily penetrate skin.
That lower molecular weight results in increased hydration in skin’s surface layers. Since sodium hyaluronate already has a lower molecular weight than hyaluronic acid, this form is sometimes referred to as “ultra-low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.”
Even though that moniker sounds impressive, that doesn’t mean that hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate is better than non-hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, simply that it works differently. It’s good to use multiple forms of hyaluronic acid (including hyaluronic acid) to make sure your skin care routine is as robust as possible.
In its raw form, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate is a white powder. Typical usage levels of hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate range from 0.1–0.5% when combined with other types of hyaluronic acid. Used on its own, a 5% concentration (from a 1% solution) is advised.
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate References
EChemi (supplier), Accessed December 2022, ePublication
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2014, pages 277-287
Communications in Computer and Information Science, November/December 2012, pages 174–180