INCI: Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate - Also known as: Low-Molecular-Weight HA, Mini-HA, Oligo-Hyaluronic Acid

QUICK FACTS

What is Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate?

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate is produced by enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of standard high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid - a process that breaks the long polysaccharide chains into shorter oligosaccharide fragments, typically ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 Daltons. This size reduction is significant: standard sodium hyaluronate has a molecular weight of 1-1.5 million Daltons, which is too large to penetrate the stratum corneum and acts primarily as a surface moisture-binding film. Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate's substantially smaller molecular size is studied in connection with greater stratum corneum penetration, allowing it to reach the viable epidermis where it may contribute to moisture binding at deeper skin layers.

This penetration depth distinction makes hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate a functionally different ingredient from its standard counterpart rather than simply a smaller version of the same molecule. Where standard HA creates an immediate surface plumping and hydration effect at the stratum corneum level, hydrolyzed HA is studied in connection with reaching the keratinocytes of the viable epidermis - where it may contribute to cellular water content and the moisture environment of deeper skin layers over consistent use.

At Sweet Chemistry, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate is the third of the four HA forms used across all three water-based formulas - completing the penetration depth dimension of a four-form HA system that covers surface, mid-depth, and deep epidermal hydration simultaneously.

What does it do for skin?

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate is primarily studied in connection with deeper epidermal hydration. Research comparing different molecular weight HA forms on skin hydration measurements has consistently associated smaller molecular weight fragments with penetration into the stratum corneum and viable epidermis, where they are studied in connection with moisture binding at a cellular level. This deeper hydration contribution is associated with a more sustained improvement in skin moisture content over time compared to surface-only HA application - because it addresses the water content of the skin layers beneath the stratum corneum, not only the surface film.

Research has also explored hydrolyzed HA in connection with a visible smoothing and plumping effect that is studied as somewhat distinct from the immediate surface hydration of high-MW HA - suggesting the two forms may work at different timescales as well as different depths. Standard HA produces an immediate surface plumping; hydrolyzed HA may contribute to a more gradual but more persistent improvement in skin fullness and hydration as it penetrates deeper into the viable epidermis over consistent use.

Within Sweet Chemistry's independent clinical study, statistically significant improvement in skin hydration was observed in 89% of subjects - a result that reflects the cumulative contribution of the complete four-form HA system alongside glycerin, the NMF complex, and beta-glucan. Individual results may vary.

FOUND IN

In 3 Formulas as Part of the Four-Form HA Complex

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate is present in all three Sweet Chemistry water-based formulas as the deep-penetrating member of the four-form HA system - contributing deeper epidermal moisture binding to complement the surface and sustained-hydration contributions of the other three HA forms.

Nourishment - All Skin Types

Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate (with 3 other HA forms) - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

The Hydra-Serum delivers all four HA forms within a 40%-active emulsion alongside the full NMF complex - a comprehensive multi-depth hydration approach for all skin types.

Hydration - Dry to Normal

Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate (with 3 other HA forms) - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

The Hydra-Cream pairs the four-form HA system with 3% Matrikynes® peptides and 2% THD ascorbate - deep hydration and structural density working within the same 40%-active formula.

Hydration - Dry to Dehydrated

Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid-Cream Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate (with 3 other HA forms) - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

In the Lipid-Cream, the four-form HA complex provides multi-depth hydration within the most emollient formula in the lineup - addressing both the surface and deeper epidermal water environment alongside the ceramide barrier system.

WORKS TOGETHER WITH

Standard HA Sodium Hyaluronate

INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate.

The high-molecular-weight HA form in all three water-based formulas, associated with surface moisture binding and immediate hydration. Synergy Note: Standard sodium hyaluronate provides immediate surface hydration and plumping; hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate is studied in connection with reaching deeper epidermal layers for sustained cellular moisture benefit. They address different depths within the same hydration goal. 

Long-Residency HA Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

INCI: Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate.

The modified HA form in all three water-based formulas, studied in connection with extended surface residency. Synergy Note: Hydrolyzed HA addresses penetration depth; sodium acetylated hyaluronate addresses duration of surface contact. Together they cover the depth and time dimensions of HA-mediated hydration within the same four-form system.

NMF Component Sodium PCA

INCI: Sodium PCA.

The most hygroscopic NMF humectant in all three water-based formulas. Synergy Note: Sodium PCA is highly effective at surface moisture attraction; hydrolyzed HA is studied in connection with deeper epidermal hydration. Their combined presence addresses moisture from the stratum corneum surface into the viable epidermis - complementary depths for a more complete hydration approach.

ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides

INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract.

At 3% in all four formulas. Synergy Note: Hyaluronic acid is a component of the dermis extracellular matrix alongside collagen and elastin. Hydrolyzed HA's deeper epidermal reach may support the moisture environment of the layers immediately above where Matrikynes® targets its peptide activity.