If you’ve ever explored hydrating serums or moisturisers, you’ve likely come across hyaluronic acid, the superstar ingredient known for its moisture-locking powers. But scan the ingredient list closely, and you’ll often find something else: sodium hyaluronate. While closely related to hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate has its own unique strengths that make it a must-have for achieving healthy, hydrated, and glowing skin.
At Salvarity Skincare, we carefully select ingredients backed by science and designed to work with your skin. Sodium hyaluronate is one of our hero humectants and for good reason. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what it is, how it works, why it’s different from hyaluronic acid, and how to include it in your skincare routine.
“Sodium hyaluronate is one of the most effective ingredients to deeply hydrate skin because it can reach where larger molecules can’t. Its smaller size allows it to draw moisture into deeper layers, helping the skin stay resilient, and better equipped to handle environmental stress. That’s why we consider it a fundamental ingredient in modern skincare.”
— Dr. George Thouas, Skincare Development Scientist at Salvarity
What Is Sodium Hyaluronate?
Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that occurs naturally in our skin, eyes, and joints. It’s part of the same family but has a smaller molecular size and a slightly different chemical structure, which gives it powerful advantages in skincare.
Because of its smaller size, sodium hyaluronate for skin can penetrate deeper into the surface layers, delivering hydration below the epidermis. Once there, it acts as a humectant, binding to water from the environment and within the skin. This helps keep skin soft, plump, flexible, and hydrated from within.
You might also see sodium hyaluronate listed under names like hyaluronate sodium, hyaluronic acid sodium salt, or hyalurone sodium. Regardless of the name, its primary purpose is the same: to attract and retain moisture where your skin needs it most.
👉 According to Healthline, this form of hyaluronic acid is especially valued for its smaller molecular weight and ability to hydrate deeper layers of the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate vs. Hyaluronic Acid: What’s the Difference?
Although sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are related to each other chemically, and often used interchangeably in marketing, they’re functionally different. The biggest difference comes down to molecular weight and absorption.
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Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Generally has a larger molecular size, meaning it sits more on the skin’s surface. It forms a lightweight film that locks moisture in and reduces water loss — ideal for surface hydration and protection.
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Sodium Hyaluronate: Generally comes in a a smaller molecular form that allows it to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin, delivering hydration where it’s needed most. It’s also more stable and less likely to oxidise, so it maintains its effectiveness longer in formulations.
In short, most types of HA hydrate the surface, while sodium hyaluronate typically works deeper within the skin. That’s why many high-performing skincare products including those from Salvarity, combine both forms, including the lower molecule ranges, for maximum hydration and barrier support.
Why Sodium Hyaluronate Is a Game Changer for Skin
Sodium hyaluronate is far more than just a moisturising ingredient. Its ability to draw and hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water makes it a hydration powerhouse, but its benefits extend well beyond moisture. Here’s what it can do for your skin:
1. Deeply Hydrates and Locks in Moisture
Sodium hyaluronate pulls water to wherever it sits within the skin and locks it in place, leaving your complexion feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. This continuous hydration helps strengthen the skin barrier, reducing dryness and flakiness, while supporting overall skin health.
Try: Hydro Active Hydrating Serum packed with sodium hyaluronate to deeply hydrate and restore your skin’s natural moisture balance.
2. Promotes Smoother, More Radiant Skin
When skin is hydrated, it looks firmer, smoother, and more radiant. Sodium hyaluronate provides instant smoothness by replenishing water within the skin’s deeper layers, which can make fine stress lines appear less noticeable and improve skin texture over time.
Try: Cool By Nature Hydrating Moisturiser designed to lock in moisture, smooth rough patches, and leave skin looking refreshed and supple.
3. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
A healthy skin barrier is essential for keeping moisture in and irritants out. Sodium hyaluronate helps repair and reinforce this protective layer, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improving your skin’s resilience against environmental stressors.
4. Supports Balanced Skin
Even if your skin is prone to oiliness or congestion, sodium hyaluronate can help. Because it’s lightweight and non-comedogenic (it won’t clog pores), it hydrates without heaviness and helps balance the skin. In fact, it can even support skin that’s been over-dried by harsh cleansers, exfoliants, or sun exposure.
Try: Primed & Ready Mattifying Serum – pairs sodium hyaluronate with balancing ingredients to hydrate without adding shine.
How to Use Sodium Hyaluronate in Your Skincare Routine
The beauty of sodium hyaluronate is that it’s suitable for all skin types. From dry and sensitive to oily and combination. It’s gentle enough for daily use and versatile enough to incorporate into almost every step of your routine.
Here’s how to get the most out of it:
1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser
Clean skin allows sodium hyaluronate to penetrate more effectively. Use a mild, non-stripping cleanser like AquaShine Gentle Facial Cleanser to remove impurities and control bacteria, without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier.
2. Apply a Serum on Damp Skin
Sodium hyaluronate works best when there’s moisture to draw in. Apply your serum like Hydro Active Hydrating Serum to slightly damp skin after cleansing. This helps maximise absorption and hydration.
3. Lock It In with a Moisturiser
Follow with a lightweight moisturiser to trap hydration and support the skin barrier. Moisturisers with sodium hyaluronate, like Cool By Nature Hydrating Moisturiser provide continuous hydration throughout the day.
👉 Explore our moisturiser guide
4. Don’t Forget SPF
Hydrated skin still needs sun protection. Finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage, which can contribute to dehydration and premature ageing.
Learn more about why SPF is essential at the American Academy of Dermatology.
Who Should Use Sodium Hyaluronate?
The short answer: everyone. Sodium hyaluronate is suitable for all skin types and ages. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, sensitivity, oiliness, or early signs of ageing, it can help maintain hydration, support barrier health, and improve overall skin texture.
It’s especially beneficial for:
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Dry or dehydrated skin: for deep moisture and long-lasting hydration
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Sensitive skin: thanks to its soothing, non-irritating properties
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Oily or breakout-prone skin: lightweight hydration without clogging pores
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Post-treatment skin: helps calm, rehydrate and support recovery
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, sodium hyaluronate plays a significant role in skin hydration healing, and overall barrier repair.
Final Thoughts:
Sodium hyaluronate might sound like a complicated ingredient, but its role in skincare is simple: it’s one of the most effective ways to deeply hydrate and support your skin. By delivering moisture below the surface and strengthening your skin barrier, it helps your complexion stay smooth, plump, and healthy.
At Salvarity Skincare, we harness the power of sodium hyaluronate across our range of serums and moisturisers to give your skin the hydration it deserves.
👉 Explore the Salvarity Skincare range and discover the difference sodium hyaluronate can make for your skin.
FAQs About Sodium Hyaluronate in Skincare
What does sodium hyaluronate do for your skin?
Sodium hyaluronate is a powerful ingredient.
- It attracts and retains water within the skin where it is absorbed.
- It penetrates deeper than standard hyaluronic acids due to its smaller molecular size, delivering lasting hydration below the surface. This helps skin feel softer, smoother, and more supple while supporting a healthy barrier.
- It also improves the look of fine lines by plumping the skin with moisture and enhances overall skin texture and radiance.
Is sodium hyaluronate natural or synthetic?
Sodium hyaluronate is a derivative of hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs in the body, particularly in the skin, eyes, and joints.
In skincare, it’s typically produced through biotechnology such as bacterial fermentation, making it a clean, bioidentical to the form your skin recognises. This process allows brands like Salvarity Skincare to create safe, stable, and effective formulas that deliver hydration without relying on traditionalanimal-derived sources that have more ethically and sustainability issues. challenging.
What is sodium hyaluronate in skincare?
Sodium hyaluronate is a powerful humectant. A moisture-binding ingredient that helps keep your skin hydrated and smooth. It’s a salt form of hyaluronic acid, but with smaller molecules that can penetrate deeper into the skin.
