Comparing Sodium Hyaluronate and Hyaluronic Acid: What's the Difference and Which is Best for Your Skin?

Sodium Hyaluronate vs Hyaluronic Acid: Which is Best for Your Skin?

When it comes to skincare, the world of ingredients can be a bit overwhelming. Two ingredients that are often mentioned in the same breath are sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid. But what exactly are these ingredients and how do they differ? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid, and explore the benefits of each for your skin. 

Sodium Hyaluronate vs Hyaluronic Acid: Which is Best for Your Skin?

What is Sodium Hyaluronate? 


Sodium hyaluronate, also known as hyaluronan, is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is a type of glycosaminoglycan, which is a long chain of sugars that are found naturally in the body. Sodium hyaluronate is a naturally occurring substance that is found in the skin, eyes, and joints, and is used in a variety of products, such as skin care and medical treatments. 


It is known for its ability to hold onto moisture and is often used to hydrate and plump the skin. It is a smaller molecule than hyaluronic acid and is able to penetrate the skin more easily, making it more effective in treating fine lines and wrinkles. It is also used as a lubricant in joints and eyes and as a wound-healing agent. In skincare products, sodium hyaluronate is often used as a humectant, which helps the skin retain moisture, resulting in a plumper, more hydrated appearance. 

What is Hyaluronic Acid?


Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the body. It is present in high concentrations in the skin, where it helps to retain moisture and keep the skin plump and hydrated. Hyaluronic acid is also found in other tissues, such as the joints and eyes. 

It is known for its ability to hold onto water, and can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent hydrator for the skin. 


In skincare, hyaluronic acid is widely used to hydrate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture and tone. It can be found in a variety of skincare products, including serums, creams, and masks. 

Which is better for your skin, sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid?


Both sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid have been shown to be effective in moisturizing the skin, but there are some key differences to keep in mind. Sodium hyaluronate is a smaller molecule than hyaluronic acid, which means it can penetrate the skin more easily. This makes it a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin. It also has a higher water-binding capacity than hyaluronic acid, which means it can hold onto more water and keep the skin hydrated for longer.

Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a larger molecule and can't penetrate the skin as easily. However, it can sit on top of the skin and form a barrier, which can help to lock in moisture. This makes it a great option for those with oily or acne-prone skin.


Which one you choose will depend on your individual skin type and concerns. If you have dry or sensitive skin, sodium hyaluronate may be the better option for you. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, hyaluronic acid may be a better fit.

Which is better for your skin, sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid?

Can you use both sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid together?


Both ingredients are great for moisturizing the skin and can be used together for optimal results. Hyaluronic acid can provide a barrier to lock in the moisture that sodium hyaluronate provides.


While both of these substances are beneficial for the skin, using both of them together can be even more effective. This is because they work together to hydrate and plump the skin, providing a more comprehensive skincare solution.

FAQs on Sodium Hyaluronate and Hyaluronic Acid


1) What is the difference between hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid vs. hyaluronic acid?

The main difference between hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid is their molecular size. Hyaluronic acid is a large molecule that is beneficial for the outer layer part of the skin, while hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a smaller, more easily absorbed version of the molecule. 


Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid has been broken down into smaller molecules, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin. 

What is the difference between hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid vs. hyaluronic acid?

2) Is 1% hyaluronic acid enough?


Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrating ingredient that can be found in a variety of skincare products, including serums, creams, and masks. The concentration of hyaluronic acid in a product can vary, with some products containing as little as 0.1% and others containing up to 2%. 


While the optimal concentration of hyaluronic acid for your skin may vary depending on your specific needs and concerns, many experts believe that a concentration that even a 0.1 percent concentration of hyaluronic acid led to increased hydration and elasticity.

3) How often should you use hyaluronic acid?


Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrating ingredient that can be used in skincare products to help plump and hydrate the skin. The frequency of use will depend on the concentration of the product, as well as your individual skin type and needs. As a general rule, it is safe to use hyaluronic acid once or twice daily. 


If you are using a product with a low concentration of hyaluronic acid, you may be able to use it more frequently.  

However, if you are using a product with a higher concentration, you may want to use it less frequently to avoid irritation. It's best to check the instructions on your specific product or speak with a skincare professional to determine the best usage frequency for you.


4) What is the best age to use hyaluronic acid?


Hyaluronic acid is a versatile skincare ingredient that can be used by people of all ages. However, the best age to start using hyaluronic acid is in your 20s and 30s, when the skin's natural production of hyaluronic acid starts to decline. At this age, using hyaluronic acid can help to prevent the signs of aging and keep the skin hydrated. 


As you age, the use of hyaluronic acid can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. However, it is important to note that everyone's skin is different and it is always best to consult with a skincare professional to determine the best skincare routine for your individual needs. 


In conclusion, both sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are great options for moisturizing the skin. They work differently, but both can be beneficial. It's important to understand your skin type and concerns and choose the ingredient that will work best for you. If you are unsure, you can also use both together to get the optimal results. With the right skincare routine, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy and looking its best.