Hyaluronic Acid
The molecule that holds 1,000x its weight in water.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body, concentrated in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes. It’s a glycosaminoglycan — a long chain of sugar molecules — with an extraordinary ability to bind and retain water.
In skincare, hyaluronic acid at various molecular weights delivers multi-level hydration: large molecules hydrate the surface, medium molecules plump the middle layers, and small molecules penetrate deeply for lasting moisture.
Key Benefits
Deep Hydration
Draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, providing immediate and sustained hydration across all skin layers.
Plumping Effect
Instantly plumps fine lines and wrinkles by attracting water to the skin’s surface, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Barrier Support
Strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and protecting against environmental stressors.
Universal Compatibility
Suitable for all skin types including oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Non-comedogenic and non-irritating.
The Science
Research shows that multi-weight hyaluronic acid formulations outperform single-weight alternatives. Sodium hyaluronate (the salt form) penetrates more effectively than pure HA due to its smaller molecular size.
Clinical trials published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that topical HA application increased skin hydration by up to 96% within 8 weeks, with significant improvements in elasticity and wrinkle depth.