Sodium Hyaluronate

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about sodium hyaluronate. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

How to read this page

Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews.

Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY^® uses.

Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly.

1. General Description and Role

Claim: Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, the skin’s main water-binding molecule. In ORY^® products, it helps skin and hair hold moisture, so skin looks plumper and smoother.

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate safe as used in cosmetics.

Citations:

- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
  - What it shows: CIR safety assessment.
- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
  - What it shows: Review of hyaluronic acid in skin aging.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: Cosmetic sodium hyaluronate is made by bacterial fermentation (vegan) and supplied in different molecular weights, from large molecules that form a surface film to smaller fragments.

Verification: Supported. Its chemistry and production are well documented.

Citations:

- Bukhari, S. N. A., Roswandi, N. L., Waqas, M., et al. (2018). Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 120(Pt B), 1682–1695. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30287361/
  - What it shows: Review of hyaluronic acid forms and uses.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: Sodium hyaluronate suits all skin types.

Verification: Supported. CIR found it safe; it is rarely irritating.

Citations:

- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
  - What it shows: Safety data.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, sodium hyaluronate helps hair and scalp feel moisturized.

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of sodium hyaluronate on hair. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat scalp conditions.

Citations:

- Bukhari, S. N. A., Roswandi, N. L., Waqas, M., et al. (2018). Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 120(Pt B), 1682–1695. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30287361/
  - What it shows: General review.

5. Benefits

Claim: Sodium hyaluronate helps skin look plumper, smoother, and more hydrated.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a 60-day study, creams with hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights improved hydration and elasticity, and lower-molecular-weight forms reduced the look of wrinkle depth more. Effects depend on continued use.

Citations:

- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/
  - What it shows: Clinical study of hyaluronic acid creams.
- Bukhari, S. N. A., Roswandi, N. L., Waqas, M., et al. (2018). Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 120(Pt B), 1682–1695. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30287361/
  - What it shows: Review of clinical evidence.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: Sodium hyaluronate is used in ORY^® Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics. It is not used in bar soap.

Verification: Supported. It rinses away in bar soap, so it has no use there.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY^® uses it
Skincare	0.1–2%	Serums, toners, essences, moisturizers, sheet masks, and eye creams.
Haircare	0.1–0.5% leave-in; 0.05–0.2% rinse-off	Leave-ins, curl creams, hair masks, and scalp serums.
Cosmetics	0.1–1%	Primers, foundations, setting sprays, and lip balms.

Citations:

- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
  - What it shows: Reported uses.

7. Pros

Claim: A well-tolerated humectant with clinical and CIR support.

Verification: Supported. Widely used and studied.

Citations:

- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/
  - What it shows: Clinical study.
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

Claim: Its effects are temporary, it works best with a moisturizer, and it needs good preservation.

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

- Temporary effect. Requires continued use.
- Dry air. Seal with a moisturizer or oil.
- Preservation. Solutions support microbial growth.
- Cost. Low-molecular-weight grades are premium.
- Not a filler. Topical use is unrelated to injectable fillers.

Citations:

- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
  - What it shows: Review.

9. Safety Notes

Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only.

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Humectants work best when followed by a moisturizer or oil, especially in dry air.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

10. Product-line notes

- ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2009). Final report of the safety assessment of hyaluronic acid, potassium hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate. International Journal of Toxicology, 28(4 Suppl), 5–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581809337738
- Bukhari, S. N. A., Roswandi, N. L., Waqas, M., et al. (2018). Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 120(Pt B), 1682–1695. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30287361/
- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/

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Sodium Hyaluronate

1. General Description and Role

2. Composition and Production

3. Skin Type Suitability

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

5. Benefits

6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines

7. Pros

8. Cons

9. Safety Notes

10. Product-line notes

11. References

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines