What is Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer?

If you've been following skincare or beauty for a while, you're probably familiar with hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate. Now, a new star ingredient is appearing on many ingredient lists: Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer.

So, what exactly is Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer? And why are more and more brands actively using it?
 

What are the Differences Between Upgrading from Hyaluronic Acid to Sodium Hyaluronate Cross-Linked Polymer?
 

First, let's quickly review:

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polysaccharide naturally found in our skin, joints, and eyes. It binds a large amount of water, helping to keep skin plump and hydrated.

Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It's more stable and easier to store and use, which is why you often see this name in serums and creams.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a chemically modified version of sodium hyaluronate.   

How is Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer Manufactured?
 

You can think of regular sodium hyaluronate as many loose threads. Cross-linking agents "connect" these strands together at multiple points, forming a three-dimensional network structure.

This network structure alters the properties of ordinary sodium hyaluronate:
It becomes more stable.
It locks in moisture for longer.
It forms a soft, elastic film on the skin's surface.

In the laboratory, ordinary sodium hyaluronate is mixed with a cross-linking agent.

This cross-linking agent connects the different sodium hyaluronate chains together, forming a gel-like network.

You don't need to remember the chemical names. What matters is the effect:

The ingredient is no longer just many individual hyaluronic acid chains.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer forms a network, like a water-filled micro-sponge membrane enveloping your skin, providing longer-lasting hydration.
 

Why are Skincare Brands Increasingly Favoring Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer?
 

Compared to regular sodium hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer offers the following advantages:

1. Longer-Lasting Moisturizing Effect
The three-dimensional network structure of Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer locks in moisture and releases it more slowly over time, resulting in longer-lasting skin hydration.

2. Protective Film
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer forms a thin, breathable protective film on the skin's surface. This helps to:
Reduce moisture loss (better retain moisture)
Reduce fine lines and roughness

3. Better Stability
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is less prone to degradation, thus its moisturizing effect lasts longer than regular hyaluronic acid.

How to Find Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer?
 

In the ingredient list, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer may appear in the following forms:
Cross-linked Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
 

Is Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer the same as Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?
 

Similar in principle, but different in application.

In dermal fillers, doctors inject cross-linked sodium hyaluronate to increase skin volume and smooth wrinkles.

In topical skincare products, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer is used as a skincare ingredient, allowing its molecules to remain on or near the skin's surface, primarily for moisturizing and protection, rather than "supporting" the skin like injectable fillers.

If you see sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer on the ingredient list, it usually means the product is designed to provide deeper and longer-lasting hydration than a formulation using only regular hyaluronic acid.
 

How to Choose a Manufacturer of Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer?
 

Focusfreda 's HA R&D lab produces Hyasmile® Cross-linked Sodium Hyaluronate in a viscous aqueous solution, helping customers optimize its application in cosmetic formulations and providing a reliable, long-term raw material supply to customers worldwide.