What is Sodium Hyaluronate?
Hyaluronic acid is found in large amounts between human cells, where it retains moisture and acts as a cushion to protect cells.
It is found in joints, cartilage, eyeballs, and of course in the skin. It is found in large amounts in the dermis and is essential for moisturizing the skin. It is also included in many cosmetics due to its excellent water retention function.
By the way, when it comes to hyaluronic acid used in cosmetics, there are two different types of origin: one is animal-derived, extracted from animals, and the other is non-animal-derived, made by fermenting microorganisms.
It's important to keep this in mind if you're vegan or want to make ethical choices so you can choose what suits your lifestyle.
The ingredient extracted from this hyaluronic acid is sodium hyaluronate.
Differences from hyaluronic acid
Like hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate is expected to have the effect of making skin youthful and supple. However, strictly speaking, they are two different ingredients. How is sodium hyaluronate different from hyaluronic acid?
The crucial difference between these two ingredients is their molecular weight. Hyaluronic acid is a polymer with a high molecular weight. In other words, its large size allows it to coat the surface of the skin and prevent moisture loss.
On the other hand, sodium hyaluronate has a lower molecular weight than hyaluronic acid. Its small size allows it to penetrate the epidermis (the top layer of the skin). In other words, it can hydrate the skin from the inside.
The role of sodium hyaluronate in skin care
By applying sodium hyaluronate to the skin, you can expect the following effects:
Moisturizing the skin
Sodium hyaluronate is hydrophilic, meaning that when applied to the skin, it attracts moisture from skin cells. This increases the skin's moisturizing ability, relieving dryness and flaking. A 2019 report showed that sodium hyaluronate has a greater moisturizing effect than hyaluronic acid.
Moisturizing effect on wrinkles
Dry skin makes fine lines more noticeable. In such cases, moisturize your skin with sodium hyaluronate. This can change the way your skin looks.
A 2014 study reported that cosmetics containing sodium hyaluronate improved wrinkle depth and elasticity.
Reduces skin inflammation
Sodium hyaluronate also has the effect of soothing inflammation of the skin.
A 2013 study showed that a cream containing 0.2% sodium hyaluronate reduced symptoms of rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, burning, and rashes.
This study suggests that low molecular weight hyaluronic acid promotes the production of a compound called beta-defensin 2, which promotes tissue healing, and also regulates the activity of inflammatory cells.
Is sodium hyaluronate safe?
Generally, sodium hyaluronate is considered safe . When applied to the skin, it rarely causes side effects. It is also said that it is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
However, there is a possibility that some people may have an allergic reaction to any ingredient. If you experience a rash or redness on your skin from using sodium hyaluronate, discontinue use immediately.
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CONCIO is the first additive-free skin care product in Japan to receive EWG certification, meeting new standards.
Focusing on the risk of skin irritation and allergies caused by cosmetic ingredients, we have implemented our own safety standards by not using 2,500 ingredients, providing global standards of safety to Japanese sensitive skin.
*This does not guarantee that skin irritation or allergies will not occur in all people.