Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
INCI: Hyaluronic Acid
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed form of hyaluronic acid Has a lower molecular weight than hyaluronic acid
At a glance
EWG Safety Score
What Is Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid?
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is hyaluronic acid that has gone through the process of hydrolysis, which involves changing an ingredient from one form to another by the addition of water or enzymes. In this case, it results in a form of hyaluronic acid with a lower molecular weight, meaning it can more readily penetrate skin (pure hyaluronic acid is a large molecule).
That lower molecular weight results in increased hydration in skin’s surface layers. This doesn’t mean that hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is better than non-hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, simply that it works differently. It’s good to use multiple forms of hyaluronic acid (including the more bio-available sodium hyaluronate) to make sure your skin care routine is as robust as possible.
Usage levels of hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid in skin care typically range from 0.1–0.5%.
Written by: Research & Education Team
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID
- EC Number
- -
- Function
- Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Frequently Asked Questions
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Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a variant of Sodium Hyaluronate, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
Skin-identical humectant for deep, lasting hydration
Related Ingredients
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin-identical humectant for deep, lasting hydration
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A humectant that holds water in the upper layers of skin
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Hydrolyzed Honey
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Hydrolyzed Keratin
A broken-down protein that conditions skin and helps products bind moisture
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