Ingredient dictionary
Sodium Hyaluronate
Also listed as: Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid, a sugar-based molecule that naturally occurs in skin. Its main job is to hold water and keep skin hydrated. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.
The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.
What Sodium Hyaluronate does
- Pulls water into the top layer of skin
- Helps skin feel soft and smooth
- Adds hydration to serums and creams
Most Sodium Hyaluronate is made by fermenting bacteria in a lab, then processed into its sodium salt form, which is easier to handle in a formula. Older products used animal-derived material, but fermentation is now more common. The result is a fine white powder that dissolves in water to form a thick, slippery liquid.
Formulators use it because it is a humectant. It draws water to itself and holds it in the outer layers of skin, which is why it appears in moisturizers, serums, cleansers and body washes. It feels light and cushiony, not greasy. Because humectants work best when water is also sealed in, it is usually paired with an oil or cream that slows water loss.
Good for
Suits most skin types, including dry, oily and sensitive skin, and people wanting extra hydration without heaviness.
Be careful if
Nothing in particular for most skin types.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Hyaluronate the same as hyaluronic acid?
They are closely related. Sodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. It is a common form used in cosmetics because it is stable and easy to mix into water-based formulas. Both are used for hydration.
Is Sodium Hyaluronate good for sensitive skin?
It is generally well tolerated, so many people with sensitive skin use products that contain it. Everyone's skin reacts differently. If yours is reactive, try a new product on a small area first and stop if stinging or redness appears.