Hyaluronic Acid

INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate

hydration

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It is the gold standard for hydration in Korean skincare, drawing moisture from the environment into the skin.

Key Benefits

  • Provides intense, multi-layer hydration
  • Plumps skin and temporarily reduces the appearance of fine lines
  • Suitable for all skin types including oily and acne-prone
  • Supports wound healing and barrier repair
  • Lightweight, non-greasy — layers well under moisturizer
  • Anti-inflammatory properties calm redness

Potential Side Effects

  • In very dry environments, high-molecular-weight HA may draw moisture from deeper skin layers — always seal with a moisturizer
  • Very well tolerated; side effects are exceptionally rare

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate?

Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular size. It penetrates skin more effectively than high-molecular-weight HA. Most Korean serums use sodium hyaluronate.

Should I apply hyaluronic acid on wet or dry skin?

Apply on damp skin (slightly wet after toning). HA needs surface moisture to draw from — applying on completely dry skin in low-humidity environments can have the opposite effect.

Can hyaluronic acid be used with vitamin C?

Yes. Layer vitamin C first, let absorb, then apply HA serum. They complement each other well — vitamin C brightens while HA hydrates.

Is hyaluronic acid the same as filler?

No. Topical HA only hydrates the surface layers of skin. Injectable HA fillers work at a structural level. They are unrelated treatments.

Which hyaluronic acid molecular weight is best?

Multi-weight HA is most effective: high-molecular-weight (surface hydration), medium-weight (mid-layer), and low-molecular-weight (deeper penetration). Look for K-beauty serums listing multiple HA types.