Everything You Need To Know About Hyaluronic Acid In Skincare

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is the one active ingredient that every skin type needs. Famously capable of attracting 1,000 times its weight in water, this naturally occurring polysaccharide draws moisture deep into the skin. But not every hyaluronic acid product has the same level of moisturizing magic. That’s because when it comes to HA, formulation really matters. Here’s a deep dive into the cosmetic science behind hyaluronic acid and how we formulated our HA Hydrating Serum to work better than the rest.

UNDERSTAND YOUR FORMS

The two most common forms of cosmetic HA are pure hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate.

Many skin care companies claim that their HA products deliver dramatic moisturizing benefits, but the truth is that pure hyaluronic acid can’t actually penetrate into the skin. In its pure form, hyaluronic acid has a stiff, gel-like texture and a very high molecular weight (HMW). This means that the HA molecule is very large--too large to effectively sink into the skin. Because of this, HMW hyaluronic acid is almost always diluted with water. But even in its diluted form, it sits on the surface of the skin, delivering virtually no deep moisturizing benefits.

Sodium hyaluronate is a more expensive salt form of hyaluronic acid that has a low molecular weight (LMW) and sinks in more effectively than regular HA. Because it doesn’t need to be diluted as much as HMW HA, it can be added into skincare formulations at much more potent levels.The result is formulas that have far better moisturizing benefits.

THE PENETRATION PROBLEM

While LMW sodium hyaluronate penetrates more effectively than other forms, it’s still no match for dead, dry skin. Over time, our skin develops a horny layer that acts like a hard shell, making it nearly impossible for HA to absorb. If you don’t properly exfoliate, even the most efficacious HA will not be able to penetrate the stratum corneum and actually deliver results.

HOW OURS IS DIFFERENT

Our HA Hydrating Serum contains LMW sodium hyaluronate. But unlike other serums, it also has co-star ingredients that help boost the efficacy of HA.

Lactic acid:This resurfacing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) dissolves the rough, horny layer of dead skin cells on the surface, making way for potent HA to fully absorb. Once it has absorbed, our HA attracts water from both the skin and the surrounding air for a dramatic surge of moisture that helps plump fine line.

Niacinamide: A potent form of vitamin B, niacinamide is one ofthe world’s most effective brighteners and is clinically proven to improve melasma--the most difficult pigment to lift. It works with HA to balance oil production and give skin a brighter, healthier look.

The unique combination of ingredients in our HA Hydrating Serum ensures your skin is receiving maximum benefits from hyaluronic acid, plus more. Our unique combination of LMW sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid, and niacinamide not only moisturizes, but resurfaces, brightens, and plumps the skin in one step.