Sodium Hyaluronate

* A moisture retaining ingredient and humectant

* Please read TIA's post on What Is It: Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate

Functions:

Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, a water-binding ingredient that has the ability to fill the spaces between the connective fibers known as collagen and elastin. Hyaluronic Acid is often injected into the skin (on the face most often), and hydrates and separates the skin, allowing it to retain water and create a plumping effect. Sodium Hyaluronate has been used for moisturization and wound healing since its discover in the 1930s. According to DermaDoctor.com, it is comprised of small molecules that penetrate the skin easily, and can hold up to 1000 their own weight in water. Because the skin naturally loses its water composition as it ages (going from 10% - 20% water to less than 10%), Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate can replace some of the water lost in the dermis, and potentially fight wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Sodium Hyaluronate is derived from rooster comb or by the fermentation of yeast, and applied topically, forms "an air permeable layer and penetrates into the dermis, thus boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin" (BioChemicals, a producer and retailer of Sodium Hyaluronate for cosmetic formulas). It has the ability to adjust its moisture absorption based on the relative humidity in the air, as well as protect the skin by scavenging for reactive oxygen species created by UV rays, fighting sunspots and other age spots. The small molecules can penetrate deep into the dermis, maintaining and attracting water, as well as to promoting microcirculation.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

Sodium Hyaluronate is generally considered a safe and gentle ingredient, and is rated as a low hazard by the Cosmetics Database. The EWG notes concerns regarding developmental and reproductive toxicity, and lesser concerns regarding neurotoxicity, and organ system toxicity, all based on in vitro studies in which higher levels of this ingredient than found in cosmetics caused some mutation in animal tests. One or more animal studies also showed skin irritation at moderate doses, but there were no studies found to corroborate this result in relation to concentrations found in cosmetics and personal care products.

It is CIR approved for use.

Recommended Products w/ Sodium Hyaluronate:

Your Best Face Hydrate B Concentrate ($45 in the TIA shop) Sevani Rose Hyaluronic Age Defying Tonique ($39 in the TIA shop), Sevani Hyaluronic Wrinkle Defense Serum ($68 in the TIA shop), Sheer Miracle Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($22), La Vie Celeste Eclairage Restorative Serum ($98.50 in the shop), Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Skin Rehydration Solution ($68)