Sodium Hyaluronate: A Guide to All Its Benefits for the Skin

Sodium hyaluronate. It is such a big word for a tiny — yet mighty — ingredient. The salt derivative of the better-known hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate is one of HA’s two salt forms (the other is potassium hyaluronate). It can be extracted separately for different uses. Because it’s often used interchangeably with HA, seeing it on the ingredients list can be confusing. Here, we break down the difference.

Perhaps you’ve watched YouTube videos talking about hyaluronic acid and how it can’t penetrate the skin deep enough to hydrate it. There’s a bit of truth in them, but they don’t paint the full picture.

Hyaluronic acid is a clear substance produced in the body. Its primary function is to keep the tissues lubricated. When applied topically, it can help draw moisture from the environment to the skin to keep it moist. It’s a macromolecule, which means it has large molecules that sit on the skin's surface, coating it to prevent water loss.

On the other hand, sodium hyaluronate has a lower molecular weight than HA, which means it can penetrate the epidermis and improve hydration from deep within the skin. Some products contain both HA and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate the skin on multiple levels.

Sodium hyaluronate has similar benefits to HA. These include the following:

• Moisturizes the skin. Sodium hyaluronate attracts moisture deeper into the skin cells. Because of its lower molecular weight, according to the International Journal of Chemistry and Research, it provides a better hydration effect. It’s recommended to apply moisturizer on top of a product with sodium hyaluronate to seal in the hydration and add moisture.

• Minimizes wrinkles. Because it plumps the skin with hydration, sodium hyaluronate also consequently smooths the skin’s surface and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. According to the Wiley Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, dryness plays a crucial role in wrinkle formation. The deep hydration by sodium hyaluronate addresses this better than surface-level moisturization.

• Reduces inflammation. By increasing hydration in the cells, sodium hyaluronate also strengthens the skin barrier and makes it more resilient to inflammation. A 2014 Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology study notes that it can help alleviate seborrheic dermatitis and its symptoms, like scaling and flaking.

For a dry skin treatment at home, Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Flawless Glow and Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Dewy Radiance feature sodium hyaluronate in their formulation. Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Flawless Glow is a serum-burst lotion more powerful than vitamin C in its ability to give the skin a lit-from-within glow. On the other hand, Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Dewy Radiance also has niacinamide, which refines skin texture while evening out the skin tone and fading dark spots.

Sodium hyaluronate is an excellent ingredient in skin care and is beneficial for all skin needs — from achieving a healthy glow to repairing dryness and evening out the skin tone.