What exactly is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the human body, particularly in the skin, connective tissues, and eyes. It’s a glycosaminoglycan, which is a type of carbohydrate molecule that is vital for various bodily functions.
In the skin, hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in maintaining moisture levels and hydration, as it has an exceptional ability to hold water molecules. It acts as a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into the skin, helping to keep it plump, hydrated, and supple. This hydration is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
As we age, the body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. External factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and harsh skincare products can also contribute to the depletion of hyaluronic acid in the skin.
In skincare products, hyaluronic acid is often used for its hydrating properties. It’s commonly found in moisturizers, serums, and sheet masks, where it helps to replenish moisture, smooth the skin’s texture, and improve the overall appearance of the complexion. Additionally, hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, as it is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and gentle.
Overall, hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in skincare formulations, valued for its ability to provide intense hydration and promote healthy, youthful-looking skin.
How small should the hyaluronic acid molecule be in order for skincare to be effective?
In order for a hyaluronic acid serum to effectively penetrate the skin and provide hydration, the size of the hyaluronic acid molecule is important. Ideally, the molecule size should be relatively small, typically referred to as “low molecular weight” hyaluronic acid.
Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid has smaller molecules that can penetrate the skin’s surface more easily, allowing for deeper hydration and potential benefits like increased skin elasticity and firmness. These smaller molecules are better able to reach deeper layers of the skin, where they can attract and retain moisture, thus helping to plump and hydrate the skin from within.
When selecting a hyaluronic acid serum, it’s often beneficial to look for formulations that specifically mention “low molecular weight” hyaluronic acid to ensure better absorption and hydration. Additionally, some formulations may also include different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to target both surface-level and deeper hydration for optimal results.
What is the source of the hyaluronic acid found in skincare?
The hyaluronic acid (HA) used in skincare products is typically derived from either animal or bacterial sources, or it can be synthesized in a laboratory.
Animal Sources
Historically, hyaluronic acid was sourced from animal connective tissues, such as rooster combs or bovine (cow) cartilage. However, due to ethical concerns and the risk of transmitting diseases, this method is less common today.
Bacterial Fermentation
Most hyaluronic acid used in modern skincare formulations is produced through a process called bacterial fermentation. Bacteria, such as Streptococcus zooepidemicus, are genetically modified to produce hyaluronic acid through fermentation of sugars. This method allows for large-scale production of hyaluronic acid in a controlled environment and is considered more sustainable and reliable.
Synthetic Production
In addition to natural sources, hyaluronic acid can also be synthesized in a laboratory using chemical processes. This synthetic HA has the same chemical structure as naturally occurring hyaluronic acid and is often used in skincare products as an alternative to animal-derived or fermentation-derived HA.
Regardless of the source, the hyaluronic acid used in skincare products undergoes purification and processing to ensure its safety, efficacy, and compatibility with the skin. It is then incorporated into various formulations, such as serums, moisturizers, and masks, to provide hydration and other skincare benefits.
What skincare product contain low molecular weight hyaluronic acid?
We have listed below a few examples of Korean skincare products that contain low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. When choosing a product, it’s essential to consider your skin type, concerns, and any other ingredients in the formulation to ensure it meets your skincare needs.
- Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion: This Japanese product is popular in Korean skincare routines for its deeply hydrating formula containing multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, including low molecular weight HA.
- Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence: Cosrx is a well-known Korean skincare brand, and this essence is formulated with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration to the skin.
- Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner: Klairs is another popular Korean brand, and this toner contains low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and prepare the skin for subsequent skincare steps.
- Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum: This serum from Klairs is designed to provide deep hydration and soothing effects to the skin, thanks in part to its low molecular weight hyaluronic acid content.
- Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100 Serum: Mizon is known for its effective yet affordable skincare products, and this serum contains 100% pure hyaluronic acid of various molecular weights, including low molecular weight HA.
- Benton Aloe Hyaluron Cream: Benton’s moisturizer combines the hydrating properties of aloe vera with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting hydration and soothing effects to the skin.
- Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Serum: This serum from Missha features a blend of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, 10 types of hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to provide intense hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Innisfree Hyaluronic Acid Skin Clinic Mask: Innisfree’s sheet mask is soaked in a hydrating essence containing low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize and plump the skin.
- Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Serum: Neogen’s serum contains fermented ingredients along with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration deep into the skin and improve skin texture and tone.
- Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence: Laneige is known for its hydrating products, and this essence features hydro-ionized mineral water and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting hydration and a glowing complexion.
- Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream: Etude House’s cream contains super collagen water and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump the skin for a firmer, more youthful appearance.
- COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Water Wave Sheet Mask: This sheet mask from COSRX is saturated in a hydrating essence containing three types of hyaluronic acid, including low molecular weight HA, to deeply moisturize and soothe the skin.
- Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner: Pyunkang Yul’s essence toner features a minimal ingredient list, including low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, to hydrate and balance the skin’s moisture levels without irritation.
- Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream: Dr. Jart+’s cream contains ceramides and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to strengthen the skin barrier and provide long-lasting hydration for dry and sensitive skin.
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner: Isntree’s toner contains 50% hyaluronic acid of various molecular weights, including low molecular weight HA, to deeply hydrate and plump the skin without stickiness.
