Category: Humectant
Benefits: Increases hydration, plumps the skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity for a more firm, supple appearance. Soothes and calms irritation.
Who it's for: Suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone, especially those with dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin.
Find it in: Endless Moisturiser, Timeless Moisturiser, Illume Serum, Hydrate Serum, Renew Serum
Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt form of Hyaluronic Acid.
Classified as a natural moisturising factor (NMF), hyaluronic acid is used in skincare products for its superior hydrating benefits. NMFs refer to a group of naturally occurring substances in the skin that act as humectants to maintain hydration. NMFs are made up of water-loving compounds, including amino acids, ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids. Skincare ingredients that mirror these elements can replenish, moisturise, and strengthen the skin's protective barrier. Skin-identical ingredients also reduce the likelihood of irritation or adverse reactions.
Being a humectant means sodium hyaluronate attracts moisture from its environment, binding to water molecules within the skin to retain optimal hydration levels. This makes it an excellent ingredient for individuals with dry, dehydrated skin, as it helps to replenish and lock in moisture, resulting in a smoother, more radiant complexion.
A 2011 study found that 0.1% hyaluronic acid led to significant improvement in skin hydration and elasticity. And that low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid was associated with a significant reduction of wrinkle depth,due to its ability to penetrate deeper into the skin.
In another study, a hyaluronic acid sodium salt cream reduced and soothed the inflammatory symptoms of rosacea by instigating the production of protein compounds that promote tissue healing and help control inflammatory cells.
Sodium hyaluronate comes in different molecular weights. High molecular weights sit on the surface of the skin, providing immediate hydration and an instant plumping effect. Lower molecular weights penetrate below the surface and rehydrate skill cells over time, providing longer-lasting benefits.
Krī Skincare serums contain two molecular weights of sodium hyaluronate - low and medium. This combination results in immediate and longer-lasting intensive hydration.
Pavicic T, Gauglitz GG, Lersch P, Schwach-Abdellaoui K, Malle B, Korting HC, Farwick M. Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011 Sep;10(9):990-1000. PMID: 22052267.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/
Medical Director, Dermatology and Laser Center of Charleston, PA, Charleston, SC
Clinical Research Coordinator, Dermatology and Laser Center of Charleston, PA, Charleston, SC
Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):253-8. doi: 10.4161/derm.21923. PMID: 23467280; PMCID: PMC3583886.