Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate is the water-soluble sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in various connective tissues of humans that has a unique capacity to retain water. Skin care products that contain sodium hyaluronate are able to efficiently hydrate the skin, thus, bestowing a smoother, younger-looking complexion.
The functions of sodium hyaluronate are based on the ability of its molecule to absorb and hold water. In fact, sodium hyaluronate is able to hold more water than any other natural substance, up to 1,000 times its weight in water, and has the ability to reach the deep dermal layer of skin. This is possible as sodium hyaluronate is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), a long polysaccharide (sugar molecule) that is composed of disaccharides called amino sugars and uronic acid. The GAGs are negatively charged, thus, tend to attract the positively charged sodium and potassium ions. This, in turn, causes the GAGs to absorb and hold a large amount of water.
When present in a skin care product, it can help to combat dryness and reduce signs of aging by providing high amount of moisture to the skin. By providing moisture to the deep layer of the skin, it can effectively reduce excess sebum production, thus, improving a breakout-prone skin while leaving a non-greasy glow. Sodium hyaluronate are able to naturally repairs a compromised moisture barrier of the skin and help controlling eczema's condition. To a certain extent, it is able to restores skin post-procedure as well.