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Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Well toleratedHumectanthumectantskin-conditioning

No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.

Also written as: Hydrolysed Sodium Hyaluronate · Low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate

What it is

This is sodium hyaluronate that has been broken into shorter chains, so it is the salt equivalent of hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid. In practice it behaves the same way: thinner, faster-absorbing, less sticky, and better able to reach the outer skin layers than full-size grades. Which of the four short-chain hyaluronic acid INCI names appears on a pack is largely down to the supplier rather than a meaningful difference in performance.

What it does well

  • Hydrates without the tacky film of high molecular weight grades

    Short chains build much less viscosity, so a formula can deliver hydration with a light finish. Studies on low molecular weight hyaluronic acid show equal or slightly better measured hydration than high molecular weight versions.

    Moderate evidence

Worth knowing

  • Labels never state the actual chain length

    "Hydrolyzed" covers a very wide range of molecular weights and there is no legal definition, so two products with identical labels can behave differently.

    Matters most toShoppers comparing hyaluronic acid products purely on the ingredient list.

Where the EU stands

No specific restriction

Not restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation; it appears in no annex and has no concentration limit.

Masks that contain Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate