Discovered by K Meyer and JW Palmer in 1934, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan or sugar molecule found inside the extracellular matrix of our cells. Widely used by the cosmetics industry, it is derived these days from bacterial and microbial fermentation mostly (and not animal harvested).

In its natural state, hyaluronic acid has a high molecular weight (HMW) (defined by >1.800.000 MW in dalton) and stays on the surface of the skin by forming a film with the keratin of the skin on evaporation. HMW HA has anti-inflammatory properties and can keep skin nurtured and soothed. The molecules tend to evaporate from the skin quite quickly.

Many chemists hydrolysed it to reduce it to a low molecular weight (LMW) (defined by 400.000 – 1.000.000 MW in dalton), also called sodium hyaluronate, which will penetrate deeper into the skin. This form works in the longer term and is stored in connective tissues. The additional moisture will make the skin firmer, with wrinkles visibly reduced. These effects are also more long-lasting.

As HA tends to escape skin quite easily, it is important to use it in conjunction with a face cream or face oil so that the emollient will lock the HA in the skin for longer and produce a more lasting effect.

GLOHS products containing hyaluronic acid: facial toner, hydrate and refine serum, firm and regenerate serum.