What is hyaluronate? The secret to luminous skin
If, like us, you’re on a quest for luminous skin, you’re probably more than familiar with hyaluronic acid, or HA. A sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the body – including in your skin, joints and eyes – HA has exploded in skincare popularity in recent years, thanks to its soothing, hydrating properties.
This means that if you’ve ever stumbled upon a similar-looking ingredient, hyaluronate, you’ve probably thought, “That’s the same as hyaluronic acid!” Not quite. “What’s the difference, then?” we hear you cry. We’re glad you asked. But first: Lab coats and protective goggles on. We’re heading to the laboratory.
Hyaluronate V hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronate, or sodium hyaluronate, is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. Once it’s extracted from HA, it affects the skin in a different way, thanks to the change in molecular weight. (This is why we recommended the lab coats.)
Put simply, hyaluronic acid has a high molecular weight. That means it contains large molecules that work to attract and bind water on the skin, providing that gorgeous dose of hydration we look for in glowy skincare.
Hyaluronate, on the other hand, has a lower molecular weight. Those smaller molecules can penetrate the top layer of the skin, giving that boost of hydration from underneath. Hyaluronate plumps from within.
While both HA and hyaluronate keep the skin smooth, soft and hydrated, a 2019 study by the International Journal of Chemistry and Research suggests penetration through the skin achieved by the latter ensures a better moisturising effect, while also determining a “temporary filling of tissues and smoothing of small wrinkles”. Which is why we have crowned…
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Hyaluronate as a super-ingredient
Yep, we’re calling it. Hyaluronate is a super-ingredient in many glowing skin products – not least in Cinch’s Sleep + Glow Overnight Mask. That’s because while dishing up that lush hydration, hyaluronate is also serving a litany of other benefits.
Like, as we just heard, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. We mentioned earlier that hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the skin, keeping cells plump and hydrated. But as we get older, the levels of HA in our body begin to drop, which can start to dry out our skin. That’s when fine lines and wrinkles appear more noticeable.
As well as restoring the moisture barrier, hyaluronate can help lock in all of that hydration, ensuring our cells are plump once more.
Oh, and hyaluronate can also help to soothe inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea. Talk about an overachiever!
Sleep + Glow
To ensure you’re getting the absolute most out of your hyaluronate, experts suggest looking for it in moisturising products to really seal those benefits in. Like, say our Sleep + Glow Overnight Mask which is packed with ingredients that get to work while you catch some Zs.
No, seriously; apply a thin layer all over the face and decolletage and then head to the land of nod. While you’re there, paw paw and pineapple enzymes work together to gently dissolve dead skill cells. Then our friend hyaluronate appears, locking in that moisture and keeping skin plump while Fucogel strengthens the skin barrier. Finally, our Superox-C™ ensures you wake up with fresh, glowing skin. In short, if you’re looking for brighter skin products, this is top of the list!
Image credit: Anna Tarazevich - Pexels