INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer - Also known as: Cross-Linked HA, Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid, HA Crosspolymer

QUICK FACTS

What is Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer?

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is produced by chemically crosslinking hyaluronic acid chains into a three-dimensional polymer network. Where standard sodium hyaluronate consists of long linear chains that dissolve freely in water and sit at the skin surface, the crosspolymer's interconnected polymer architecture gives it significantly different physical behavior: it forms a more structured, gel-like film on the skin's surface that adheres more tenaciously than linear HA and resists removal by sweat, humidity, and light mechanical contact.

This crosslinked architecture is the key structural difference from the other three HA forms used in Sweet Chemistry's formulas. Standard sodium hyaluronate provides immediate surface hydration but migrates freely and is easily disrupted. Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate penetrates deeper but is small and mobile. Sodium acetylated hyaluronate has enhanced cell-surface affinity. The crosspolymer specifically addresses the surface adhesion and durability dimension of the four-form system - holding a moisture-binding film at the skin surface for longer than any of the other forms, even under conditions that would displace non-crosslinked HA.

At Sweet Chemistry, the Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is the second of four HA forms listed in the ingredient sequence across all three water-based formulas, working alongside standard sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, and sodium acetylated hyaluronate to create a comprehensive multi-depth, multi-duration hydration approach.

What does it do for skin?

The Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer's primary contribution is enhanced surface film formation and moisture retention durability. Its crosslinked polymer network is studied in connection with forming a more tenacious, longer-lasting moisture-binding film on the stratum corneum surface than linear HA - one that may persist through normal daily activities, facial movement, and moderate environmental humidity changes.

Research on crosslinked HA films on skin has associated them with a smoother surface texture, improved skin surface evenness, and a more plumped, supple skin feel - benefits that are attributed to both the crosspolymer's own moisture-binding character and its ability to hold water at the skin surface for an extended period. The film-forming character also contributes to a smooth, comfortable skin feel at application that complements the cushioned satin finish of the Hydra-Cream and the radiant finish of the Lipid-Cream.

In the context of Sweet Chemistry's four-form HA system, the crosspolymer addresses the durability and surface adhesion gap that neither standard HA nor the other modified forms fill alone. Standard HA works immediately; hydrolyzed HA penetrates deeper; acetylated HA persists through cell-surface affinity; and the crosspolymer holds the surface film together through structural architecture - four complementary mechanisms from the same molecular family.

FOUND IN

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

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is present in all three Sweet Chemistry water-based formulas as the surface adhesion and film durability member of the four-form HA approach - working in complement to the other three HA forms at different depths and durations.

Nourishment - All Skin Types

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

The Hydra-Serum delivers all four HA forms within a 40%-active emulsion alongside glycerin, PCA, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, and eleven amino acids - a seven-component hydration approach for all skin types.

Hydration - Dry to Normal

Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer (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 in a 40%-active cushioned satin finish.

Hydration - Dry to Dehydrated

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

In the Lipid-Cream, the crosspolymer contributes surface film durability within the most emollient formula in the lineup - sustained surface hydration alongside deep emollient nourishment.

WORKS TOGETHER WITH

Standard HA Sodium Hyaluronate

INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate.

The linear high-molecular-weight HA form in all three water-based formulas, associated with immediate surface hydration. Synergy Note: Standard sodium hyaluronate provides rapid surface moisture binding; the crosspolymer's structural film extends that moisture retention through superior surface adhesion. Together they address the speed and durability dimensions of surface hydration. 

Penetrating HA Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

INCI: Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate.

The low-molecular-weight HA form studied in connection with deeper epidermal penetration. Synergy Note: The crosspolymer holds moisture at the surface; hydrolyzed HA penetrates deeper. Together they span from the outermost stratum corneum surface to the viable epidermis in a complementary two-direction approach.

Long-Residency HA Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

INCI: Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate.

The acetylated HA form studied in connection with extended surface residency via cell-surface affinity. Synergy Note: The crosspolymer achieves surface durability through structural film architecture; sodium acetylated hyaluronate achieves surface residency through cell-surface molecular affinity. Two different mechanisms for the same goal of sustained surface hydration. 

ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides

INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract.

At 3% in all four formulas. Synergy Note: A well-hydrated, film-protected surface supported by the crosspolymer's durability creates a more favorable environment for the dermal-targeting activity of Matrikynes® peptides.