This review will provide you with some information on whether or not hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is safe, or if it’s a Scam?
It’s something that I have used though so I’ll also include my own experience.
Is Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Safe?
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a safe, non-irritating humectant that helps the skin retain water. It’s been used for years in skincare products and has been the subject of several studies to find out more about the safety of this ingredient.
One study found that hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid did not cause any allergic reaction on the skin when applied topically in an anti-aging product.
Another study found that hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is as safe for use in topical products as sodium hyaluronate, which is another salt form of hyaluronic acid.
Sodium hyaluronate, according to CIR, is a safe and effective ingredient when used at concentrations of up to 2%.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is derived from sodium hyaluronate, it’s generally considered to be non-irritating and safe as well.
What Is Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid?
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a form of hyaluronic acid that’s been broken down into smaller particles, making it more readily absorbed by the skin.
This means it can deliver its hydrating benefits at a deeper level — especially when applied in a serum or cream formula that’s designed to penetrate the skin’s surface.
In addition to its moisturizing properties, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid also provides antioxidant protection against free radicals and helps support naturally occurring collagen in skin.
How To Safely Use Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
If you want to start using hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid but aren’t quite sure where to start, we have tips on how to use this miracle ingredient:
1. Start slow
If you have sensitive skin and are worried about introducing a new product into your skincare regimen, don’t worry!
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is gentle enough to use every day and on all skin types.
If you are still concerned about irritation or breakouts, we recommend starting by applying it every other day and building up your routine.
2. Pat it on your skin instead of rubbing it in
The most common way to apply any type of serum is by rubbing it in with your hands.
For example, you squeeze a few drops into your palm, then rub them into your face with your fingers.
But when it comes to applying hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid serum, you should pat the product onto your skin instead of rubbing it in.
3. Apply to damp skin
This helps seal in moisture and amplify the effects of hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
4. Don’t forget your neck and décolletage
It’s important to apply products containing hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid to your neck and décolletage as well, since they’re prone to dryness, too.
5. Check the ingredient list
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a form of hyaluronic acid that has been broken down into smaller molecules so it can penetrate your skin more easily.
It’s listed as sodium hyaluronate and is typically one of the top ingredients in a product’s ingredient list, after water.
Benefits of Using Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid in your Skincare Routine
Using hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine will benefit you in many ways
1. Adds moisture to skin
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a humectant which means it draws and binds moisture to itself.
This helps keep the skin hydrated for longer periods of time and prevents the skin from drying out due to lack of moisture.
2. Acts as an anti-inflammatory
The ability of hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid to attract moisture also makes it an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
Because it retains water, it helps reduce swelling and redness caused by inflammation.
Slight inflammation on the surface of the skin is also a factor that causes premature aging and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid helps prevent this by reducing inflammation.
3. Prevents dryness and irritation
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid attracts and binds moisture to itself, it prevents dryness and irritation by creating a shield or protective layer over the skin.
4. Shrinks pores
Hydrolyzed HA has the capacity to draw in massive amounts of moisture to the surface of the skin. This moisture plumps and hydrates the surface of your skin, which reduces the visibility of pores.
5. Reduces fine lines
If you have fine lines on your face that you’d like to get rid of, adding a product with hydrolyzed HA to your skincare routine can help!
The hydration that this ingredient provides leads to increased production of collagen, which helps firm up your skin and smooth out fine lines.
6. Improves elasticity
The abundant amount of moisture that hydrolyzed HA imparts onto your skin helps give it a supple look and feel.
It helps restore lost elasticity in your skin, making it appear more youthful.
7. Treats acne
Conventional acne treatments can be incredibly drying for your skin, but hydrolyzed HA is a moisturizing ingredient that can help counteract this effect.
It also has anti-bacterial properties that can help clear up breakouts and prevent future blemishes from forming.
Can People With Allergies Use Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid?
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is naturally derived from the rooster combs. It is broken down into its molecular form, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Because of its natural origin, it is safe for most people with allergies to use.
What Is The Difference Between Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid And Non-hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a large molecule that cannot penetrate the skin deeply enough to make a difference; however, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid (also called sodium hyaluronate) is a much smaller version of this molecule that can do so (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013).
This salt form of hyaluronic acid helps skin attract and retain moisture better than any other natural substance.
Can You Use A Retinoid With Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid?
This is an interesting question because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid (HA) is a smaller form of the naturally occurring polysaccharide (a carbohydrate consisting of linked monosaccharides) that we find in our skin.
By using the hydrolyzed version, you avoid the potential for sensitizing reactions, which can occur with the larger form; however, it can also penetrate deeper into the skin.
In this case, it would be beneficial to apply your retinoid and hydrolyzed HA at separate times during your routine.
Retinol should be applied in the evening after cleansing, while hydrolyzed HA should be incorporated into your daytime routine.
Does Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Work On Wrinkles?
Hyaluronic acid is not the same thing as hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid. It’s an ingredient that some skincare products contain. Dermatologists say that for most people, it doesn’t help prevent wrinkles or make them disappear.
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a derivative of hyaluronic acid. It’s in some wrinkle creams and other anti-aging products; but not all products that contain this ingredient list it on their labels.
Manufacturers don’t have to list ingredients in cosmetic products unless they claim a product does something specific, like treat acne or fade wrinkles.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid?
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is generally very safe for most people to use. It is a normal component of the human body, and it is often used in medicinal applications as well as beauty products.
The side effects that can be caused by hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid are usually only skin irritations, which can be minimized by the proper application of the product.
Is Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Safe For Children?
Yes, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is safe for use by children. The molecule is found naturally in the body and cannot harm any part of the body when used topically.
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is also safe for use on all skin types for all ages.
Can You Use Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Under My Eyes Or Around Eyes?
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is very effective for hydrating the under-eye area, and it’s gentle enough to use around the eyes. So yes, feel free to use it wherever you want.
It’s important to note that hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid does not penetrate the skin as deeply as regular HA does.
Can You Keep Using Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid If It Irritates Your Skin At First?
It’s important to note that this is a completely normal reaction for first-time users of hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
The ingredient actually works by drawing moisture from the environment into the skin, which can cause some initial redness and irritation as your skin adjusts to this influx of hydration.
In fact, you may even notice a few breakouts in the beginning as your pores adjust to this dramatic increase in moisture.
“Over time, it will actually help balance oil production and reduce blemishes,” says Rouleau. “It’s like retinol in that it will temporarily make skin appear worse before it appears better.”
So while Rouleau advises that you can stick with the product (assuming your skin isn’t too sensitive), she also suggests applying a thin layer of the liquid underneath a moisturizer to dilute its potency.
This will lessen any irritation and gradually allow your skin to build up a tolerance to the formula.
How Long Will It Take To Know If Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Is Safe For You To Use?
It’s important to do a patch test before using a new product, especially if it’s the first time you’re trying out a new active ingredient. Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people.
However, if you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to do a patch test first before applying it to your face.
Apply a few drops of the product on your wrist or elbow and see if you have any allergic reaction within 24-48 hours. If there is no irritation or adverse effects, then you should be fine to use it on your face.
Can Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Be Used Alongside Oil-based Products?
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a water-soluble ingredient, but even if you have oily skin or are using an oil-based product as your last step, it’s not going to affect the efficacy of this ingredient.
It can be used in conjunction with any ingredients, oil-based or otherwise. Just remember that water-based products should be applied before oils (if you’re using more than one product).
Can Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Be Used With Vitamin C?
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are both water-soluble, so they cannot be mixed together before application.
However, you can use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C on alternating days or at different times of the day to reap the benefits of both.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a safe product.
The two main things you need to consider are the concentration of the HA and whether or not it is administered properly.
I hope that this article has cleared up some of the misconceptions surrounding this ingredient and provided you with some information to either decide if it works for you or if you’d rather steer clear of it.
