Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid (HA), a large polymer naturally found in the skin that acts as a sponge to help the skin retain water, maintaining plumpness and elasticity. It is officially classified as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent (CAS# 9067-32-7). In solution, sodium hyaluronate dissociates into a hyaluronic acid molecule and a sodium atom, making the two functionally interchangeable in cosmetic formulations. The salt form is noted to be more stable, easier to formulate with, and less costly than hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid and its sodium salt are renowned for their exceptional water-binding capacity, able to hold up to 1000 times their own weight in water, which helps keep skin hydrated, plump, and elastic. As a skin-identical ingredient, it works in harmony with the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF). It carries an irritancy rating of 0, indicating it is well-tolerated across skin types.
