HYALURONIC ACID

There are a few forms of Hyaluronic Acid used in skincare. Origins uses Sodium Hyaluronate, a sodium salt form of Hyaluronic Acid for skin. This form has a smaller molecular weight that works great for the skin. It’s also the most stable form, meaning it has a longer shelf life. If you read the label of your favorite skincare product and see Sodium Hyalornate, rest assured, it’s Hyaluronic Acid.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid:

In this form, Hyaluronic Acid is hydrolyzed, which means it’s been broken down into smaller molecules for better delivery. (Side note: pure Hyaluronic Acid has a very high molecular weight).

Sodium Hyaluronate:

This is the sodium salt form of Hyaluronic Acid for skin and the form we use here at Origins. Like Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, it has a much smaller molecular weight and can penetrate the epidermis more easily. It’s also the most stable form, meaning it has a longer shelf life.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer:

This form of Hyaluronic Acid has a higher molecular weight, which provides essential hydration at the surface level.

What are the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for skin?

The benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for skin start and end with hydration. “Hydration is a key component of skin’s overall well-being. When skin is properly hydrated, it appears more vibrant and youthful,” says Cosentino. Here’s why you may want to incorporate it into your daily routine.

It hydrates skin

The single most important benefit of Hyaluronic Acid is hydration. When applied to the skin, it behaves like a humectant—attracting and binding moisture. This boost in moisture helps to hydrate your skin and helps it look and feel more plump.

It protects and supports your skin’s moisture barrier

A strong moisture barrier is essential for healthy-looking skin. When your barrier is compromised, moisture seeps out and pollutants—like skin-sabotaging free radicals—slip in. A weak moisture barrier can result in dry, irritated or flakey skin. Hyaluronic Acid—in particular, a high molecular weight form—attracts an abundance of moisture to the skin’s surface to help hydrate your skin as well as provide a protective layer of moisture to help boost skin’s moisture barrier.

It helps plump lines and boost skin’s youthful bounce

It helps plump lines and boost skin’s youthful bounce When skin loses moisture—from the natural aging process or a compromised moisture barrier—it results in the loss of elasticity and bounce. Imagine a water balloon. When it’s full of water, it’s firm, smooth and bouncy. But when water starts to seep out, it becomes limp and droopy. Introducing Hyaluronic Acid to skin through a topical product increases moisture, which can temporarily add volume to help soften the look of fine dry lines and give skin a more youthful-looking bounce.

Which Origins products contain Hyaluronic Acid?

Here at Origins, we’re big fans of the moisture-boosting benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and infuse it into several products—from moisturizers to face masks. Here are four that feature this super hydrator:

Mega-Mushroom Weightless Hydrating Moisturizer is a lightweight formula, featuring Hyaluronic Acid, that goes deep into the skin's surface to significantly boost moisture and fortify skin with 48-hour continuous hydration. It absorbs quickly and rapidly reduces the look of redness, for skin that looks healthy and hydrated.

Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado and Hyaluronic Acid, drenches extra thirsty skin in 72 hours of nourishing hydration.

Plantscription™ SPF 25 Power Anti-Aging Cream protects skin from the sun to help prevent future signs of aging while delivering fine line-targeting hydration, courtesy of Hyaluronic Acid. Skin appears smoother and more youthful.

GinZing™ Energizing Gel Cream is a daily face moisturizer—and our favorite moisturizer for oily skin—- with a refreshing gel texture that boosts radiance and fights fatigued-looking skin. Infused with sodium hyaluronate, it delivers an improved moisture barrier and an all-day glow.

What skin type benefits most from Hyaluronic Acid?

One of the greatest attributes of Hyaluronic Acid is that it’s beneficial for all skin types. Its hydration properties are especially valuable for dull, dry and dehydrated skin and can be extremely soothing to sensitive types. As for oily skin? Hyaluronic Acid boosts moisture—not oil—and won’t clog your pores, which makes it highly suitable for this skin type. For anyone experiencing the signs of aging—loss of elasticity, lines and wrinkles—Hyaluronic Acid’s moisture-binding benefits can help boost volume so skin appears more smooth and plump.

The final word on Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

“Hyaluronic Acid helps keeps our skin hydrated,” says Cosentino. Adding a moisturizer or serum infused with Hyaluronic Acid to your daily routine can help replenish essential moisture that helps boost your barrier, plump the look of lines and wrinkles, and improve the overall vibrancy of your skin—cheeks included.