A Closer Look at One of the Most Powerful Hydrating Ingredients
Read Time: 2-3 Minutes
Occurring naturally in the body, Hyaluronic Acid helps our skin retain moisture (lots of it—just 1 gram of this powerful ingredient can hold up to 6 liters of water) and diminish signs of aging. Below, we delve into how Hyaluronic Acid is used in skin care, why it’s so important, and how you can incorporate it into your own routine.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Found naturally in our skin and connective tissue, Hyaluronic Acid (HA)—also called hyaluronan—is one the skin’s primary glycosaminoglycan, a type of molecule that hydrates and rejuvenates. A jelly-like substance that acts as a cushioning and lubricating agent for joints, nerves, skin, hair, and eyes, HA keeps you looking and feeling youthful.
How exactly does HA keep our skin hydrated?
HA is found in almost every cell in the body, and roughly 50% of it is located in our skin tissue, keeping our complexions smooth and maintaining the strength of our skin’s barrier by working in tandem with collagen. Here’s how it works: collagen is essentially the glue that keeps our skin’s structure firm and youthful, while HA keeps the collagen itself nourished and hydrated. Because our natural supply decreases as we age, skin care products containing HA help retain the skin’s elasticity by binding to water and “filling in the gaps,” so to speak.
Why does size matter?
Because the molecules of pure HA are too large to be absorbed by the skin, the salt form (Sodium Hyaluronate which can hold up to 500 - 1000 times its weight in water) is often used in skin care products. Sodium Hyaluronate serves the exact same purpose as HA, but its molecules are smaller, allowing it to effectively penetrate the skin. We at MŪN specifically use super low molecular weight (8 to 15 kDa) Sodium Hyaluronate for Anarose Hydrating Rose Toner, and low molecular weight (800 to 1200 kDa) for Protect + Revive Moisturizer for each formula's optimal effectiveness.
Where/how is HA sourced?
Traditionally, HA has been derived from animals (most commonly rooster combs) and many brands still do this today. Because we’re committed to keeping our products vegan and cruelty-free, we use Sodium Hyaluronate from glucose, soy peptone and yeast extract treated with fermentation.
How is HA used in skin care products?
Thanks to its powerful water-binding abilities, HA has been a longtime mainstay in many anti-aging skin care products to increase firmness, prevent and diminish wrinkles and fine lines, and help the skin retain moisture. It’s also found in various lotions, creams, masks, foundations, eyeliners—you get the idea—to provide a smooth, supple appearance and “plump” fine lines. A truly versatile ingredient, HA is ideal for all skin types, as it won’t promote excess oil or irritate the skin; in fact, its healing properties can even help alleviate red, irritated, or broken-out skin.
What exactly makes HA so powerful?
A great humectant (meaning it attracts and retains moisture), HA helps our skin retain its firmness, radiance, and elasticity while fighting free radicals that can cause wrinkles and signs of aging. Unlike collagen, HA’s derivative, Sodium Hyaluronate can penetrate beyond the skin’s outer layers. It also helps strengthen the skin’s barrier, better protecting it from harsh environments and harmful UV rays. Studies have even shown that HA provides antioxidant defense against environmental pollutants.
What can I expect when using skin care products that contain HA?
- Smoother, more supple skin
- Decreased irritation and redness
- Softened appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- More radiant, youthful-looking skin
- Hydrated, nourished skin
Powerful but gentle, Hyaluronic Acid allows the skin to effectively retain moisture—thereby diminishing the signs of aging—while also strengthening its protective barrier. To incorporate HA into your daily routine, try our pH-balancing Anarose Hydrating Rose Toner. In addition to HA, Anarose contains soothing Bulgarian Rose Water/Hydrosol, Willow Bark Extract with natural Salicylic Acid to gently exfoliate, and Goji Berry Extract to reduce free radical damage.
