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How to Choose Between Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate
2026-05-22
Hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate are widely used in skin care, cosmetics and dietary supplements. While they offer the same moisturizing effect, they differ in molecular size, solubility, stability and formulation applications. Choosing the right raw material is key to improving product performance and controlling costs. Let us now explore their core differences and how to select them for targeted use.
一、What Are Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic acid is an acidic mucopolysaccharide first isolated from bovine vitreous humor; the human skin also contains abundant hyaluronic acid. Sodium hyaluronate, by contrast, was initially extracted from rooster combs and can also be produced via fermentation with lactococcus lactis. It appears as white or off-white granules or powder.
Hyaluronic acid is the free acid form of sodium hyaluronate and exists in its original natural molecular state. It is weakly acidic, poorly water-soluble, and chemically unstable. Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid. In practical applications, hyaluronic acid is mostly used in its sodium salt form, making it the mainstream commercial raw material in the global market.
二、Key Differences Between Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate
Both hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate are included in China’s 2021 Catalog of Used Cosmetic Ingredients. Their differences are as follows:
| Feature | Hyaluronic Acid | Sodium Hyaluronate |
| CAS | 9004-61-9 | 9067-32-7 |
| PH | 3-5 (Moderate) | 5.0-8.5 (Higher) |
| Molecular Size | Larger (5,000 - 20,000 Dalton) | Smaller (600 - 6,000,000 Dalton) |
| Solubility | Lower | Better |
| Applications | fillers, special medical researches essences | creams, sunscreens, eye drops, nutritional supplements |
In summary, sodium hyaluronate is easy to dissolve and highly stable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in cosmetics, dietary supplements, and daily healthcare products.
三、What specifications are available for sodium hyaluronate?
Sodium hyaluronate is mainly classified by molecular weight, which directly decides its application effect and usage scenario.
| Specification | Molecular Weight Range | Application Benefits |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | Oligomerization molecular weight: 3,000 - 5,000 Dalton; |
Transdermal absorption, deep moisturising, anti-aging, after-sun repair. |
| Low molecular weight: 8,000 - 50,000 Dalton; 100,000 - 500,000 Dalton |
Can penetrate deep into the cortex, replenish and lock water long-lasting moisturising, improve the role of skin nutrient absorption. | |
| Middle molecular weight: 500,000 - 800,000 Dalton; 800,000 - 1,500,000 Dalton |
Skin feel smooth non-sticky and elastic, long-lasting moisturising, resistant to hyaluronidase degradation, can form a network of water film on the surface of the skin, locking water, water retention, isolation of pollution, anti-ultraviolet protection, skin protection. | |
| High molecular weight: 1,500,000 - 2,200,000 Dalton; More than 2,200,000 Dalton |
Excellent lubrication and film-forming properties, moisturising, sun protection, thickening and stabilising emulsification. |
In addition to molecular weight, sodium hyaluronate can also be selected based on purity grade, including cosmetic grade, food grade, and pharmaceutical grade. Testing standards vary across different markets.
四、How to Choose Reliable Suppliers？
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Complete Export Qualifications Check whether the supplier can provide complete documentation, including food safety certifications, cosmetic ingredient test reports, COA, MSDS, and other related files. For the EU, US, and Australian markets, make sure the product complies with local ingredient regulations and standards.
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Production Capacity Choose a supplier with mature production lines and stable inventory to support long-term bulk orders and urgent deliveries, helping to avoid delays caused by stock shortages.
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Customization Support Excellent suppliers support customized molecular weight, powder fineness, solution concentration and private label service, to meet diversified formula demands of different brands.
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Professional Technical Support & After-Sales Service Professional sodium hyaluronate suppliers offer formulation advice, dosage references, and application guidance. Prompt after-sales responses and effective resolution of quality issues help reduce your production risks.
Choosing the right ingredient depends on your formulation and application. Whether for skincare or health products, selecting a reliable supplier with consistent quality is critical. As a sodium hyaluronate manufacturer with over 20 years of export experience, we welcome you to contact us anytime for more information or order inquiries. sales@sxshine.com