Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into the epidermis. Humectant with accumulated evidence on hydration.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Effective humectant with clinically confirmed hydration effect.
- Pavicic T et al. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011;10(9):990-1000. PMID 22052267
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (HHA) is hyaluronic acid cleaved to fragments <50 kDa (often 5-50 kDa). Produced by enzymatic hydrolysis from biotech HA (Streptococcus zooepidemicus biosynthesis) or animal raw material. Mechanism. Smaller size allows passage through the stratum corneum and hydration of upper epidermis – deeper than high-MW HA which works only on the surface. Humectant: binds water in the skin and retains it in the stratum corneum. Where applied. Serums, creams, patches, post-procedure products (0.1-2%). In Spain in Sesderma Hidraderm Hyal, Endocare Hydractive, Mesoestetic Hydra-Vital. Often combined with high-MW HA in one formula for multi-level hydration. Evidence base. Pavicic 2011 (76 women, 8 weeks) compared formulas with 50, 130, 300, 800, 2000 kDa HA: all improved hydration; 50-300 kDa additionally reduced wrinkle depth. Bukhari 2018 meta-analysis confirmed the hydration effect on the stratum corneum regardless of MW. Safety. CIR and SCCS rate HA and its hydrolysates safe in cosmetics (CIR 2009, re-evaluated 2019). Non-irritating, non-comedogenic, does not photosensitize. Pregnancy and lactation – safe topically. Suitable for all skin types, especially dehydrated, post-procedure (laser, peels, mesotherapy), and acne-prone.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid safe during pregnancy?
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid for?
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid and what does it do in cosmetics?
Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into the epidermis.
What's the INCI name for Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid?
The INCI name is Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid. It may also appear as: Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid.
See Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar in action
Explore by category
Ingredients in the same category
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Hydrolyzed Malt Extract, Olive Oil, Silicone Quaternium-22, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Published: · updated: