What it is
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a chemically modified form of hyaluronic acid in which the individual molecules are bonded together into an interconnected mesh. Sodium hyaluronate itself is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan whose carboxylate groups attract and hold water. Crosslinking gives the polymer a high water-binding capacity and lets it form a smooth film on the skin that releases its bound water gradually, supporting longer-lasting moisturization than uncrosslinked forms. The technology was originally developed for dermal fillers before being adapted for topical skincare.
Safety & warnings
Hyaluronic acid and its salts are skin-identical humectants that are generally very well tolerated across skin types, including sensitive skin. The crosslinked form behaves similarly on the skin surface as a moisturizing film former and is not associated with notable irritation in cosmetic use.
Origin & sourcing
It is derived from sodium hyaluronate, which is most commonly produced commercially by microbial fermentation. The hyaluronate is then crosslinked so the chains form a network, converting a freely soluble molecule into a water-binding, film-forming polymer for topical use.
History
Hyaluronic acid was first isolated in 1934 by biochemists Karl Meyer and John Palmer from bovine vitreous humor, the gel inside a cow's eye. Crosslinked hyaluronate technology emerged later in the context of dermal fillers and was subsequently adapted into topical skincare formulations.
Questions everyone asks
How is the crosspolymer different from regular hyaluronic acid?
The molecules are crosslinked into a mesh, which gives a high water-binding capacity and forms a film that releases moisture gradually for longer-lasting hydration than uncrosslinked hyaluronate.
Where does sodium hyaluronate come from?
It is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid and is most commonly produced today through microbial fermentation rather than animal sources.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Hyaluronic acid and its salts are skin-identical humectants generally considered well tolerated, including by people with sensitive skin.