Woman Reading Skincare Ingredient Label

Sodium Hyaluronate vs. Hyaluronic Acid: What's the Difference?

Confusted woman holding different skincare products

 Making sense of the ingredients in skincare products, even organic skincare products, can sometimes be a challenge. For example, you might be wondering what the difference is between sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid. It’s easy to get confused between the two since they’re often referred to interchangeably.

The reason for this? Both hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate offer many of the same benefits and are ultimately counterparts of each other. Both are hydrating and plumping and are used for anti aging purposes. But before we get into the benefits, let’s start with what they actually are:

What is hyaluronic acid? Woman Holding Jar of Skin Moisturizing Wrinkle Cream

Hyaluronic acid is a clear and gooey substance. It is produced naturally by our bodies, and you can find large amounts of it in your skin, eyes and connective tissues. Its primary task? Retaining water to keep your tissues well lubricated.

Hyaluronic acid is undoubtedly one of the most popular ingredients in the skincare world today. Some people take it as a supplement, but it’s also widely used in serums and moisturizers. It is loved for its hydrating properties, as well as its incredible ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, making it a literal magnet for moisture.

Skin Serum for Reducing Facial WrinklesWhat is sodium hyaluronate?


Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is synthesized to create a smaller molecular structure for stability and increased resistance to oxidation. Its smaller molecular structure and water solubility means that it can penetrate deeper into skin, providing intense hydration beyond the skin’s surface.

Sodium hyaluronate is usually used for anti-aging and moisturizing because of its ability to improve firmness levels, smooth out fine lines, and hydrate the skin. You can find sodium hyaluronate in many products, including serums and moisturizers. It is also possible to take it as an oral supplement. 

What is the primary difference between hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate?

The biggest difference? Sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecular size, which means that it can penetrate the skin better. Other than that, they both offer the same benefits.

Now that we’ve covered the ‘what’, let’s take a closer look at what these powerful ingredients can actually do.

Benefits of hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate

Firmer skin:

Apply a product with sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid to your skin and its impressive water-binding properties will enable it to sink deep into your skin to absorb and retain moisture. Many makeup brands add one or both ingredients to their primers; because HA retains moisture so well, it makes skin look instantly plumper and more supple.

Reduced fine lines and wrinkles: Before and After Photos -  Peptide 10 by Adonia Organics

As sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid amplify skin hydration, skin regains a youthful plumpness and fine lines and wrinkles become less visible. Skin that is deeply moisturized is also much less likely to develop wrinkles in the long term.

Along with applying adequate sun protection, applying a moisturizer is one of the key ways to combat signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid can help boost moisture levels, helping skin to appear more hydrated and youthful.

Gentle and non-comedogenic:

Is your skin on the sensitive side? You can use sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid skincare products without worrying about irritation. Both ingredients work for all skin types and are non-comedogenic, which means you can enjoy their benefits without having to worry about clogged pores.

If you suffer from acne-prone skin, you can turn to a sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid moisturizer without worrying about it leading to further breakouts. In fact, ensuring that your skin is deeply moisturized can even help prevent future breakouts as dry skin tends to overproduce oil which can result in a vicious breakout cycle.

Adonia Organics Peptide 10 Peptide 10 by Adonia Organics

Peptide 10 dramatically improves the appearance of your skin in just minutes. Peptide 10 hides wrinkles and increases firmness on the face and neck. Apply a very small amount to clean, dry skin using our application brush and smooth over wrinkles on the forehead, under the eyes, and on your neck. Apply a second time if necessary to more aggressive areas. A key ingredient in Peptide 10 is Hyaluronic Acid. 

Stemulift Moisturizer - Adonia OrganicsAdonia Organics StemuLift Serum

Adonia StemuLift is a unique combination of day and night cream in ONE. This advanced plant stem cell serum is blended with 21 botanical ingredients that will immediately reduce the appearance of wrinkles and saggy skin. Use a pearl-size amount for your entire face. Apply twice daily. Morning and then before bedtime to a clean and dry face. Do not exceed 3 applications a day. A key ingredient in StemuLift is Sodium Hyaluronate. 

The creators of Adonia Organics believe in the power of natural beauty enhanced. Science has allowed us to take elements of nature and implement them in a skincare regimen that will bring painless and lasting results with a 30-day money-back guarantee. All of our skincare products are cruelty-free, non-toxic, paraben-free, and non-gmo.

Using the superpowers of plant stem cells along with organic oil extracts, we have a found a solution with fast results and lasting love for your skin.

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