What it is
This is a chemically modified form of hyaluronic acid in which the water-soluble polysaccharide has been broken down into smaller hydrolyzed fragments and grafted onto a lipophilic C12-13 alkyl glyceryl chain. The alkyl portion gives the molecule an affinity for the skin's lipid layers and helps it adhere to and condition the surface, while the hyaluronate portion attracts and holds water. It is used at low levels as a conditioning and moisturizing additive rather than as a structural or emulsifying component.
Safety & warnings
Hyaluronic acid and its common derivatives are generally well tolerated and not associated with notable sensitization or comedogenicity at the low concentrations used in skin care. No specific allergen or comedogenicity concerns are established for this particular derivative.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic derivative built from hyaluronic acid, which is typically produced by bacterial fermentation, then enzymatically hydrolyzed and chemically modified with a fatty alkyl glyceryl group.
Questions everyone asks
How is this different from regular hyaluronic acid?
It is a hyaluronic acid that has been cut into smaller fragments and attached to a fatty C12-13 alkyl glyceryl group, giving it more affinity for the skin's lipid surface while still attracting water.
What does it do in a sunscreen?
It acts as a moisturizing and skin-conditioning additive, helping the formula feel hydrating and smooth on the skin. It is not a UV filter.