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Written by OSEA Staff | Updated April 9, 2025
When you see sodium hyaluronate (SH) and hyaluronic acid (HA) on the ingredients lists of skincare products, you might wonder about the distinction between them. Read on for a comparison and suggestions on which of our SH- and HA-rich products to use in your skincare regimen.
Sodium Hyaluronate vs. Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid both aid in hydration. However, they differ in how they help give skin a youthful-looking glow.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in your body that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. As a humectant, it binds and attracts water to the skin to keep skin cells hydrated1. We have less HA as we age, so it’s an important skincare ingredient.
Hyaluronic acid has a large molecular weight, offering maximum hydration without penetrating the skin. Instead, the large molecules bind and attract water to the skin's surface2. Topical HA stops water from evaporating from the skin's surface, keeping it hydrated3.
What Is Sodium Hyaluronate?
Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt extracted from hyaluronic acid. It has a smaller molecular weight when compared to HA. Due to the smaller size, SH can penetrate the skin, binding and attracting water to the deeper layers to support hydration4.
How to Maximize Hydration
Our face and body care formulas contain SH and HA to improve the look of dryness while additional ingredients seal in hydration. Explore our product suggestions below.
Face Care for All Skin Types
With the support of HA, the Seabiotic® Water Cream offers 72-plus hours of deep hydration. The emollient-rich formula contains Undaria seaweed and squalane to seal in HA while replenishing the skin’s moisture barrier and delivering long-lasting moisturization, respectively.
Apply the fast-absorbing cream to the face and neck after cleansers and serums and before face oil.
To boost the hydrating benefits of the Seabiotic® Water Cream, pair it with the Hyaluronic Sea Serum. This anti-aging product contains two molecular weights of HA for added hydration and to improve the look of firmness. Add a few drops to your damp face and neck before applying moisturizer.
Ocean Eyes® Age-Defying Serum addresses the visible signs of aging. High molecular weight HA is a thirst-quencher for dry skin under the eyes, while peptides smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
To seal in Ocean Eyes® Age-Defying Serum’s HA, layer the product under our Advanced Repair Eye Cream. The rich formula’s seaweed and sugarcane-derived squalane brighten and rejuvenate the look of mature eyes.
Body Care
Hyaluronic Body Serum is suitable for all skin types. It boasts five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, vegan peptides and green microalgae to give the skin a plumper appearance. Apply the serum to clean skin from the neck down. For added hydration, layer the Hyaluronic Body Serum under a moisturizer.
Undaria Algae™ Body Butter is also suitable for all skin types and contains SH and moisturizing shea butter. Apply the body butter to dry skin. The formula is rich, so do not layer it with other products.
Undaria Algae™ Body Lotion is best for dry, normal and combination skin. The high molecular HA provides lasting hydration and turmeric gives the skin a brighter appearance. Use the lotion morning and night on its own or under Undaria Algae™ Body Oil or Anti-Aging Body Balm for an even greater glow.
Ready for Enhanced Hydration?
Hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate are standout ingredients in our serums, body butters and lotions to care for parched skin while smoothing and firming its appearance.
Sources
¹ Defino, J. (April 16, 2021). This Is The Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid & Sodium Hyaluronate. The Zoe Report. Retrieved December 18, 2024, from https://www.thezoereport.com/beauty/sodium-hyaluronate-vs-hyaluronic-acid-what-to-know-which-to-use-18169226
² Liu, K. and Nassim, J. (January 23, 2020). The hype on hyaluronic acid. Harvard Health Blog. Retrieved December 18, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-hype-on-hyaluronic-acid-2020012318653
³ F.C. (April 20, 2023). Why Science Says Hyaluronic Acid Is the Holy Grail to Wrinkle-Free, Youthful Hydration. Healthline. Retrieved December 18, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hyaluronic-acid
⁴ Nunez, K. (January 28, 2024). What Is Sodium Hyaluronate and How Is It Used in Skin Care? Healthline. Retrieved December 18, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sodium-hyaluronate
