HomeIngredient LibrarySodium Hyaluronate

Humectant

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium Hyaluronate is a humectant, active, thickener, skin conditioning used in cosmetic and personal-care formulation. Typical use level is 0.01%–2%. It is water-soluble. Stable in the pH 4–8 range.

At a glance

INCI name
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function
humectant, active, thickener, skin conditioning
Typical use level
0.01%–2%
Solubility
water
Stable pH
4–8

CAS number and synonyms are sourced from PubChem. Function, usage levels, pH and compatibility are AI-assisted formulation guidance — verify against your supplier's technical data sheet and applicable regulations before use.

Compatibility

Works well with:
Glycerin Niacinamide Panthenol Allantoin Aloe Vera Peptides Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside) Ceramides Retinol Zinc PCA

Use caution with:
High-concentration L-Ascorbic Acid Cationic Surfactants High-concentration Ethanol Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Cationic surfactants and quaternary compounds can complex with the anionic hyaluronate polymer, causing precipitation or loss of function. Very low pH environments (below 4.0), as used with high-concentration L-Ascorbic Acid, can degrade the polymer chain over time. High ethanol concentrations may cause salting-out or precipitation of the polymer.

Formulation notes

Molecular weight significantly affects skin penetration and feel: low MW (< 50 kDa) penetrates deeper but may trigger inflammation at very high levels; high MW (> 1000 kDa) forms a surface film. Use at 0.1–2.0% for standard humectancy; crosslinked forms (used in injectables) are not appropriate for leave-on cosmetics. Generally regarded as very safe with no regulatory use restrictions in cosmetics.

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