Sodium Heparin

Sodium heparin is a salt form of heparin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide (complex sugar) found in animal tissues, particularly in the lungs and intestines of mammals. In skincare, it functions as a humectant—a substance that attracts and binds water to the skin.When formulated into skincare products, sodium heparin works to improve skin hydration by drawing moisture from the environment into the outer layers of the skin. It is valued in formulations aimed at supporting skin barrier function and maintaining moisture balance.

Sodium heparin is a hygroscopic molecule, meaning it has a strong affinity for water. When applied to skin, it binds water molecules and holds them in the stratum corneum (the outermost skin layer), increasing local moisture content and plumpness.The ingredient may also interact with the skin's natural moisturising factors and support the structural integrity of the barrier, helping to prevent water evaporation. This dual action makes it effective for general skin hydration and maintenance.

Sodium heparin is typically used in serums, moisturisers, and hydrating treatments. For best results, apply to damp skin to maximise the humectant effect—the ingredient will draw moisture from the damp skin surface into deeper layers. Layer with an occlusive moisturiser if using in a dry climate or if skin tends towards dryness, to prevent the humectant from drawing water away from the skin.

Sodium heparin is generally well-tolerated and rarely causes irritation or sensitivity reactions in topical formulations. It is not known to interact with other skincare ingredients or cause photosensitivity.