How many types of hyaluronic acid are there?

We’ve shared our love for hyaluronic acid with you in the past. It’s a truly remarkable skincare ingredient that offers a host of benefits, such as smoothing fine lines, locking in moisture, and giving skin an overall hydrated, youthful appearance. For more information and a full introduction to using this amazing ingredient, check out our dedicated blog post on hyaluronic acid and its skincare benefits.

However, now we’re going to explore how many types of hyaluronic acid there are, what the differences are between them, and how you should use them in your skincare routine. We’ll answer all of these questions and any others you may have at this point, so let’s get started.

Is all hyaluronic acid the same?

Technically, there are three types of hyaluronic acid molecules found in skincare:

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Sodium acetylated hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate

You’ll no doubt find that your favorite hydrating serums and moisturizers have a large blend of HA molecules in their formula to give the product maximum benefits. All three hyaluronic acid molecules share the same hydrating properties and are humectants, which is basically their superpower. Once they are applied to the skin, they absorb moisture from the environment and draw it to your face, locking moisture into the upper layers of the skin.

However, there are some differences between the hyaluronic acid molecules that are added to many skincare products, specifically between hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate. Both are collectively referred to as “hyaluronic acid” in the beauty world, but the main difference is that sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecule size, which allows it to penetrate the skin faster. Sodium hyaluronate is actually the salt form of hyaluronic acid, and is water-soluble, meaning it can absorb 1,000 times its weight in water. This also makes sodium hyaluronate a more stable molecule to add to skincare, as it is less likely to oxidize. However, there is a downside to this type of hyaluronic acid, as the higher its percentage in a formula, the sooner the skin will begin to dry out. Keep in mind that it is best to avoid using more than 4% sodium hyaluronate to prevent unwanted skin drying reactions, as too much can strip the skin of moisture it already has. Due to its stability, it is used in skincare products along with other hyaluronic acid molecules to make the formula more balanced and effectively hydrate the skin.

Which form of hyaluronic acid is best?

This is a very tricky question because narrowing down the pros and cons of each hyaluronic acid molecule is more difficult than you might think. The advantage of the three different hyaluronic acids is that they blend well with each other and moisturize the skin, binding the surrounding moisture and maintaining the proper function of its protective barrier.

Introducing hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine is much easier than you might think. HA has no age limit and you will see many anti-aging and nourishing benefits of these hero ingredients. If you are over 25 and have not noticed any obvious signs of aging, using hyaluronic acid will delay the appearance of visible fine lines and wrinkles on your skin. Older people who may have noticed signs of aging will find that HA not only smooths the skin tone, but also delays thinning and sensitivity of the skin, improving the overall appearance of the face. So as long as you include products containing hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, you are already getting the powerful moisturizing effects of this wonderful ingredient.

What percentage of hyaluronic acid is effective?

Technically, there is no foolproof way to clearly indicate the amount of hyaluronic acid in a skincare formula. In some cases, you may find a claim of 90% hyaluronic acid in the ingredient list or marketing of certain products, which is not entirely accurate. As we mentioned before, when the HA molecule Sodium Hyaluronate is present at levels above 4%, the skin can become very drying. Products such as serums, moisturizers, and cleansers actually contain about 1-2% hyaluronic acid mixed in a solution with a high water content. This not only affects the skin by moisturizing the outer layer, but it also supports the hydrating properties of the HA molecule mixture by drawing moisture from surrounding products applied to the skin. By diluting the percentage, you also have a greater chance of avoiding a drying skin reaction and keeping its microbiome layer intact and functional, meaning free radicals or other skin damaging agents cannot penetrate.

If you find that the percentage of hyaluronic acid in your over-the-counter skincare product is still not providing the hydration you need, a visit to a dermatologist should be your next step. Note that we also recommend patch testing any new products you add to your daily skincare routine to avoid reactions.

We hope that you now have a clearer idea of how many different types of hyaluronic acid there are, what effects you can expect when using it in different skincare products, and the formulas that create radiant and plumping effects when using hyaluronic acid. If you want to learn more about hyaluronic acid, how it works and how it compares to chemical peels, you can learn all about the skincare benefits of AHAs and BHAs in a dedicated blog post.

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DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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