humectant

Hyaluronic Acid

INCI: Hyaluronic Acid

What is it?

Hyaluronic acid is a large sugar-based molecule (a glycosaminoglycan) made of a repeating two-part sugar unit. It used to be extracted from rooster combs, but nearly all cosmetic-grade material today comes from bacterial fermentation instead, using strains chosen specifically because they don't carry the toxin risk...

How is it used?

Add it to the water phase by sprinkling the powder slowly into gently stirred water rather than dumping it in, which prevents clumping. Low-molecular-weight grades typically dissolve within 30 to 60 minutes; high-molecular-weight grades can take several hours. Avoid high-shear mixing once it's hydrated, since excess...

Forms

Available forms and grades affect how this ingredient behaves and how it should be selected for a formula.

Appearance

Color, texture, and physical characteristics can vary between suppliers and product grades.

Usage rate

Recommended incorporation levels depend on product type, supplier guidance, and the intended result.

Why we use it

Formulators choose this ingredient for specific performance, sensory, and stability benefits.

Strengths and limitations

Its advantages, compatibility considerations, and practical tradeoffs should be weighed during development.

Alternatives and substitutions

Possible replacements depend on the ingredient's role, desired skin feel, and formulation system.

Storage and shelf life

Appropriate storage conditions help protect quality and performance throughout the ingredient's usable life.

Hyaluronic Acid

What is it?

How is it used?

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