Hyaluronic acid (HA) has become a popular ingredient in skincare and supplement products due to its hydrating and anti-aging properties. However, hyaluronic acid products have disparity among each other, as they can vary in their molecular weight. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA) are two different types of hyaluronic acid that can be used with their own benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we will explore the differences between HMW-HA and LMW-HA. Hope that you can have a better understanding of hyaluronic acid and choose the perfect HA products for your project.

Hyaluronate-acid-powder

Hyaluronic Acid: Different Molecular Weight

First, let’s define what we mean by molecular weight. In chemistry, molecular weight refers to the mass of a molecule, which is determined by adding up the atomic weights of all the atoms in the molecule. In the case of hyaluronic acid, the molecular weight can vary widely, ranging from as low as 50,000 Daltons to as high as 10 million Daltons.

HMW-HA has a molecular weight greater than 1500K Daltons, much larger than LMW-HA, whose molecular weight is less than 1000k Daltons [1]. There are also Micro hyaluronic acid and mini hyaluronic acid available. Micro HA has a molecular weight range between 5k Daltons and 50k Daltons [2], even lower than mini HA, whose molecular weight range is between 100k Daltons and 1,500k Daltons [3]. Stanford Chemicals Company (SCC) is a leading supplier of hyaluronic acid of different sizes. Send us an inquiry if you are interested.

Related reading: Viscosity, Molecular Weight and Rheological Properties of HA

High VS. Low Hyaluronic Acid: Different Application Areas

LMW-HA is considered more stable than HMW-HA because of its lower tendency to undergo degradation and better oxidation resistance. Besides, LMW-HA could penetrate the skin surface easier with a lower molecular size. In a word, HMW-HA catches water molecules on the surface, while LMW-HA goes deeper underneath.

Both of them are commonly used in the cosmetic field. They are both excessively hydrating and anti-aging. You can find these hyaluronic acid products such as lotions, creams, etc. LMW-HA and HMW-HA are employed to make supplements as well. You can also combine these hyaluronic acids for your dermis and underneath.

High VS. Low Hyaluronic Acid: Different Effects

HMW-HA is valued for its excellent hydration properties and anti-aging effect. It can hold more water and provide better hydration to the skin. It can also create a film-like barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and protecting the skin from environmental aggressors. It is often used in skincare products to provide long-lasting hydration, improve skin texture and elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hydrating Effect

In contrast, LMW-HA is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, as it can reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation in the skin. LMW-HA can penetrate the skin more easily. Additionally, it can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for cell growth and differentiation.

Inflammation

So, select hyaluronic acid products according to your skincare goals and concerns. If your primary concern is hydration and anti-aging, then HM-WHA may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are dealing with inflammation, redness, or acne-prone skin, then LMW-HA may be the better choice.

Related reading: Health Benefits of hyaluronic Acid for Skin

Caution

It’s important to note that not all HA products will list their molecular weight on the label. If you are unsure which type of HA is used in a product, you can do some research or reach out to the manufacturer for more information.

In addition to molecular weight, other factors can impact the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid products. The concentration of HA, the delivery method, and other ingredients in the product can all affect how well the product works.

Conclusion

In summary, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid and lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid differ in their effects and use areas.

HMW-HA is better for providing hydration and anti-aging benefits for cells on the surface, while LMW-HA is better for reducing inflammation and improving deeper skin texture.

Stanford Chemicals Company has rich experience in the manufacture and sales of high molecular weight, middle molecular weight, and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. It’s important to choose a product that is well-formulated and suited to your specific skincare needs to ensure the best results. Please check our homepage for more information.

Reference:

[1] Özdemir, H., & Özdemir, Ö. (2018). Hyaluronic acid: A literature review. In K. Schröder, S. S. Suleman, & L. Ahmad (Eds.), Polysaccharides and Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery and Pharmaceutical Applications (pp. 59-73). Springer.

[2] Guo, H., Jiang, Q., Zhang, L., Feng, R., & Li, X. (2018). Micro- and nano-sized hyaluronan: A comparative study of their in vitro uptake and biological activities. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 107(Pt A), 683-691. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.09.026

[3] Papakonstantinou, E., & Roth, M. (2019). Hyaluronic acid: A comprehensive review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(2), 310-317. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12732

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Today, let’s talk about hyaluronic acid. Let’s start with the basics.

In the cosmetic industry, formulators are striving to get safer and more efficient cosmetic raw materials. Sodium Hyaluronate (HA), which is well-known as a natural moisturizing factor, is just this kind of compound.

cosmetic grade sodium hyaluronate

Stanford Chemicals as a professional HA manufacturer is managed strictly in accordance with GMP and ISO 9001 quality management systems to ensure the reliability and stability of products.

Hyaluronic Acid Advantages

1. High safety
2. ECOCERT certification
3. Non-animal origin bacterial fermentation
4. A series of safety tests carried out by authorized testing organizations
5. High purity

Cosmetic hyaluronic acid has very low impurities (such as protein, nucleic acid, and heavy metal).
There is no pollution of other unknown impurities and pathogenic microorganisms in the production process assured by strict production management and advanced equipment.

Main Cosmetic Grade Hyaluronic Acid and Its Functions

–High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid

>1,000 kDa
Lubricating and film-forming, moisturizing, preventing skin damage, thickening, and keeping emulsion stable

–Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid

10 kDa~ 1,000 kDa
Nourishing the skin, long-lasting moisturizing

–Oligo Hyaluronic Acid

<10 kDa
Trans-dermal absorption, deep hydrating, anti-aging, repairing skin damage

—Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer（Hyaluronic Acid Elastomer）

Smooth and not sticky feeling; Forms a crosslinked network on the skin surface; Long-lasting moisturizing effect because of its good stability; Increases skin elasticity and reduces skin roughness.

–Substantive Sodium Hyaluronate

High substantivity, can be used in rinse-off products. As a conditioning moisturizer, it helps reduce the inflammation of the skin caused by surfactants present in formulas and feels smooth.

Hyaluronic Acid Applications

–Skincare

It is widely used in cream, emulsion, essence, lotion, gel, facial mask, etc. Hyaluronic acid (HA) acts on skin conditioning, which can automatically regulate different environments, keep the skin moist and refreshing, make the skin more elastic, and play the role of anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, and beauty.

The dosage of Hyaluronic Acid powder for skin care products is:
0.1% ~ 0.5% for HA powder
10% ~ 50% for HA solution
1-5% for Hyacross
0.5-1% for cation
Dissolving in water. Heating can accelerate the dissolution of HA.

–Makeup

Lipstick, eye shadow, foundation, etc.
Hyaluronic acid should be used as the first step in your beauty routine. It will create a protective barrier for your skin, keeping it moisturized and creating a better canvas for makeup and other beauty products.

–Cleansing

Facial cleanser, body wash, etc.
The first step to any skin treatment is cleansing. Using a good cleanser eliminates the dirt, sebum, and bacteria from the pores without drying your skin. On a wet face, gently massage the cleanser using circular motions in an upward and outward direction. Wipe it off with cotton wool and wash it off with warm water. Use a clay-cleansing mask once a week, if you have extremely oily skin.

–Haircare

Shampoo, hair conditioner, styling gel, hair restorer, etc.

Shampoo and conditioner use Hyaluronic Acid, formulated with amino acids and biotin isolates to visibly improve hair density, fullness, and softness. They are paraben and sulfate-free, using natural and innovative formulations to bring next-level haircare that is gentle enough for regular use.

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