SkinWis
SkinWis Scientific

Skincare Ingredient

Sign in to save this ingredient

Save ingredients to your skin profile and we'll use them when you look up products — instantly flagging what's reactive, neutral, or works well for your skin.

Sodium Hyaluronate

In Skincare: Is Sodium Hyaluronate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
1/5 — Very low risk
Safety (overall safety)
1/5 — Very low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

It is widely used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 2% and is generally well-tolerated across a range of skin types. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and Environmental Working Group (EWG) have concluded that sodium hyaluronate is safe for use in cosmetic products under current conditions of use.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in skin.

  • 02

    Sodium hyaluronate is considered an effective ingredient for restoring moisture and supporting the skin’s natural hydration.

  • 03

    Sodium hyaluronate demonstrates greater absorption into the skin compared to hyaluronic acid.

Key Benefits

What Sodium Hyaluronate does for your skin

3 benefits
Hydration
Anti-Aging
Soothing

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Sodium hyaluronate is a salt form of hyaluronic acid, a well-known ingredient that helps skin retain moisture. It functions as a humectant, drawing water to the skin and supporting its natural hydration balance. Research suggests sodium hyaluronate may also contribute to a healthy skin microbiome, acting as a postbiotic. Due to its smaller molecular size compared to hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate is readily absorbed by the skin.
Classifications
Humectant
Antioxidant

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide composed of repeating units of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. As more sugar molecules are added, the molecule grows in length and forms a spherical shape. It is naturally found in skin, connective tissue, and nerve tissue. Hyaluronic acid has a high water-binding capacity – greater than other natural and synthetic polymers. Sodium hyaluronate and potassium hyaluronate are salts derived from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid has established medical applications, including use in eye surgery and as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis, and is also approved for subcutaneous injection to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Common Uses

Formulation in Sodium Hyaluronate

Hyaluronic acid, including sodium hyaluronate and potassium hyaluronate, can help improve the appearance of dry or damaged skin by reducing flaking and increasing suppleness. Hyaluronic acid is also utilized to adjust the viscosity of water-based cosmetic formulations.

Role of Sodium Hyaluronate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

HUMECTANT

Moisture Magnet

Attracts and retains moisture in skin and hair

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Humectant ingredients draw water from the environment and deeper skin layers through hygroscopic properties. Common humectants include glycerin, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, urea, and alpha-hydroxy acids. These contain multiple hydroxyl groups or other hydrophilic functional groups that form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Mechanism involves attracting water to the stratum corneum, reducing transepidermal water loss, and increasing skin hydration.

SKIN CONDITIONING

Skin Enhancer

Maintains skin in good condition and improves its feel

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.

Products

containing Sodium Hyaluronate

26203 formulations
Once a Day Invisible Mist Tan Accelerator SPF 30
Once a Day Invisible Mist Tan Accelerator SPF 30
Dr. Russo
Hydration Boost Cleanser
Hydration Boost Cleanser
REVOLUTION SKINCARE
Pure Cloud Cream with Arctic Berries
Pure Cloud Cream with Arctic Berries
Skyn Iceland
Hypercharged Glass Skin Serum
Hypercharged Glass Skin Serum
BYNACHT
Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection + Blue Light Shield SPF 40
Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection + Blue Light Shield SPF 40
Pevonia Botanica
Revolution Pro 24k Priming Serum
Revolution Pro 24k Priming Serum
REVOLUTION SKINCARE
Advanced Acne Serum
Advanced Acne Serum
Radiant Glow Botanical
Power Repair Hydrating Toner
Power Repair Hydrating Toner
Pevonia Botanica
Abeille Royale Rich Day Cream
Abeille Royale Rich Day Cream
GUERLAIN
BodyFIT Cellulite Cream
BodyFIT Cellulite Cream
Balea
See all products with Sodium Hyaluronate

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete, December 2017, pages 987-993

[2]

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2014, pages 277-287

[3]

Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23

[4]

DermatoEndocrinology, July-December 2012, pages 253-258

[5]

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2011, pages 990-1000

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sodium Hyaluronate — common questions

What is Sodium Hyaluronate in skincare?

Sodium hyaluronate is a salt form of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid and potassium hyaluronate are both white, fiber-like or creamy powders. These ingredients are commonly used in cosmetic formulations such as skincare products, lipsticks, and eye/facial makeup to add hydration and texture.

What does Sodium Hyaluronate do? / Functions of Sodium Hyaluronate?

Common functions: HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Sodium Hyaluronate? / Is Sodium Hyaluronate comedogenic?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Sodium Hyaluronate has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

Sodium Hyaluronate is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).

Is Sodium Hyaluronate safe for skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Sodium Hyaluronate has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: It is widely used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 2% and is generally well-tolerated across a range of skin types. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and Environmental Working Grou

Is Sodium Hyaluronate good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Sodium Hyaluronate has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Sodium Hyaluronate in skincare?

Known considerations: It is widely used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 2% and is generally well-tolerated across a range of skin types. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and Environmental Working Group (EWG) have concluded that sodium hyaluronate is safe for use in cosmetic products under current conditions of use.

)