Hyaluronic acid (also known as sodium hyaluronate) is a polysaccharide compound that occurs naturally in every tissue of the body, with the highest concentrations in the skin, joints, and cartilage. It is the natural gel between skin cells that is able to hold up to 1000 times its own weight in moisture, making it the most hydrating water-soluble compound known for use on human skin. As we age skin loses hyaluronic acid, resulting in a diminished ability to retain moisture. Applying hyaluronic acid topically incorporates it into the intercellular matrix forming a visco-elastic network that both hydrates the skin while working to smooth out fine lines.

There are two types of hyaluronic acid that we use in order to gain its full benefits. The first is a high molecular weight form that is best suited for hydrating the top epidermal layers so that moisture is prevented from escaping the skin while additional moisture is obtained from the environment. The second is a low molecular weight form that has been enzymatically reduced to less than 50,000 daltons in size. This micronized form greatly improves its ability to be absorbed deep into the skin where it can moisturize more from within, creating a more supple complexion and pulling other active ingredients with it to be more effectively absorbed.