Sodium Hyaluronate vs Hyaluronic Acid

What’s the Difference & What Should Your Skin Care Routine Know?

If you’re in the world of skincare, you’ve likely seen both Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Sodium Hyaluronate (SH) listed as ingredients.

They sound similar, they appear in many of the same serums and moisturisers — so what is the difference, which should you pick, and how can you use them for optimal results?

This in-depth article will walk you through what the science says and how to apply this to your skincare.

1. What are Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate?

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (specifically a glycosaminoglycan) in our bodies — found in the skin, connective tissue, joints, eyes and more. Pharmagel+3Wikipedia+3Typology Paris+3
Its key role: it holds water. It can bind large volumes of water relative to its weight, which helps maintain skin hydration, volume, cushioning and resilience.  Paris+2

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid (so chemically very closely related) — essentially hyaluronic acid converted into a salt to improve water-solubility, stability and formulation convenience. 

Because it's a salt and is often of lower molecular weight, it tends to have better penetration in topical skin care.

2. Key Differences: Molecular Weight, Penetration & Stability

While HA and SH share many benefits (hydration being the major one), there are some meaningful distinctions — especially relevant for skincare applications.

a) Molecular Weight & Penetration

• Hyaluronic acid often has a higher molecular weight (large molecules) in skincare and in natural tissue. That means it tends to sit more on the surface of the skin, forming a film and preventing water loss. 
• Sodium hyaluronate is often lower molecular weight, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the epidermis (skin’s layers) rather than just sitting on top. 

b) Stability & Formulation

• SH is typically more stable in formulation (less prone to oxidation) and easier for formulators to work with. 
• HA (especially high molecular weight) may form more of a surface film, which can be beneficial for “plumping” and barrier effects, but may not penetrate as deeply. Typology Paris+1

c) Labelling & Marketing

• Because “hyaluronic acid” is a more recognisable term to consumers, many products list "hyaluronic acid" on the front, even if the actual ingredient is sodium hyaluronate (or a mix).
• It’s important when reading INCI lists (ingredient labels) to pay attention: “Sodium Hyaluronate” = SH; “Hyaluronic Acid” = HA.

3. What Does That Mean for Your Skin & Routine?

Hydration Benefits

Both HA and SH act as humectants (attract and hold water). For example:.

• Sodium hyaluronate draws water into the skin, helping reduce dryness and flaking. Healthline+1
• Hyaluronic acid helps with surface hydration and film-forming, preventing water loss from the outer layer of the skin. 

Penetration & Targeted Action

• If you want deeper skin hydration, or you have skin that is drier/dehydrated, SH may offer some advantage because of its smaller molecule size and better penetration into the epidermis. 
• If you want a “top layer” hydration boost — a plump, cushiony feel, smoother surface, barrier support — then HA (especially high molecular weight) is still very useful.

Suitability for Skin Types & Conditions

• SH can be especially beneficial for dry, mature, or dehydrated skin, where deeper hydration is required. 
• HA is fairly safe and effective for almost all skin types, including oily skin (since it doesn’t have to be heavy or greasy) — just choose the right formulation. 

Pairing & Usage Tips

• Apply HA/SH on damp skin to maximise hydration (so the humectant can draw water in).
• Follow with an emollient or occlusive moisturiser to “lock in” the moisture.
• If using SH because of its deeper penetration, layer it before heavier creams/serums.
• Don’t assume “more is better” — excessively high concentrations (especially very small molecules) may pull moisture out if the environment is very dry (hygroscopic effect). One article pointed out that more than ~2% for SH might risk drying in very arid conditions. 

Order our 500ml Hyaluronic acid serum here

4. Which Should You Use? A Practical Guide

Here’s a quick decision tree to help decide which one (or combination) might suit your skincare goals:

Tip: Many modern serums combine both HA and SH (or different molecular weights of HA/SH) to get a “multi-layer” hydration effect (surface film + deeper penetration). This can be a smart, balanced approach.

5. Myths & Frequently Asked Questions

Myth: “Sodium Hyaluronate is better than Hyaluronic Acid and you should always use it.”

Truth: Not exactly. SH has advantages (penetration, stability), but HA is not “worse” — it just works slightly differently (more surface hydration). The “better” choice depends on your skin condition and formulation.

FAQ: If I see “Hyaluronic Acid (as Sodium Hyaluronate)” on the label — what does that mean?

It means the product uses SH (the salt form) but may list HA for marketing/recognition. As one source says: “Because sodium hyaluronate is derived from HA, it’s sometimes called ‘hyaluronic acid’.” 

FAQ: Will HA/SH “fill wrinkles” like injections?

Topical HA/SH help hydrate and plump skin and can reduce the appearance of fine lines, but they are not the same as injectable HA fillers (which add volume under the skin). Topical use supports the skin’s moisture and structure, but effects are not volumetric to the same extent. Verywell Health+1

FAQ: Are there side effects?

Generally ,both HA and SH are very safe when used topically. Irritations are rare. If you have extremely sensitive skin, do a patch test.

Very high concentrations in low-humidity environments may pull water out rather than in (less common) — good to follow with moisturiser.

6. How to Incorporate into Your Skincare Routine

Here’s a simple routine snippet you can follow:

1. After cleansing (and toning if you use one) on slightly damp skin, apply your HA/SH serum.
2. Layer any actives (vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol) if you use them — often HA/SH can enhance penetration of other actives by hydrating and priming the skin. (Several sources point out SH’s ability to improve absorption of other actives) Medical News Today+1
3. Follow with a moisturiser (cream or gel, depending on skin type) to seal in the hydration.
4. Morning & evening: HA/SH can be used twice daily; morning will give a plumper base for makeup, and evening will help repair.
5. Bonus tip: In very dry climates, after serum, apply a gentle occlusive (light oil or balm) to prevent moisture loss to the air.

7. Summary & Takeaway

• Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate are closely related: SH is essentially the salt form of HA, with slightly different molecular size and formulation behaviour.
• Both deliver excellent hydration benefits; SH tends to penetrate deeper and is more stable in formula, HA excels at surface hydration and barrier support.
• The best choice depends on your skin type, condition and formulation — if you have deeply dehydrated skin or want something more penetrative, SH may edge ahead, but HA is still highly effective and beneficial.
• Look at the formulation, molecular weights, and how the product is set up in your routine — combining both (or multi-molecular weight HA) often brings the best of both worlds.
• Finally, even the best ingredient won’t do much unsealed — always follow with a good moisturiser and protect skin (sun protection, gentler cleansers, etc).