In formulating various skin care treatments, 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 form 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 sodium-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. Of animal origin, this glycosaminoglycan possesses a viscoelastic texture that is primarily found in the vitreous humour of the eye. It can also be synthetically produced 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 within 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 within the tissues. It also accelerates wound healing and is generally degraded enzymatically.
Hyaluronic acid is a well-known and favoured ingredient for formulating skincare products. To facilitate the penetration of active ingredients, it is replaced by sodium hyaluronate, which is a small molecule characterised 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 boasts 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 is 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. As a result, skincare products containing sodium hyaluronate are generally formulated for mature skin.
Which hyaluronic sodium-based skincare product should you choose?
Skincare products containing sodium hyaluronate come in various forms, varying according to the specific issue they are designed to address. Their content is also carefully formulated to achieve effective results. As part of your evening beauty routine, your usual cream may be replaced by a repelling serum containing a 3% dose of hyaluronic acid actives. Simply apply 3 or 4 drops of the 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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