Sodium Hyaluronate: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile
Also known as: Sodium Salt of Hyaluronic Acid
The salt form of hyaluronic acid. Smaller, more stable and faster to penetrate the upper layers of the skin.
Quick facts about Sodium Hyaluronate
Safe
0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging
Safe
0 = inert · 5 = often irritating
Humectants
Generally considered safe
Typically yes
Sodium Salt of Hyaluronic Acid
Quick verdict
Sodium Hyaluronate is a humectant with a safe comedogenic profile (0/5) and safe irritancy (0/5). The salt form of hyaluronic acid. Smaller, more stable and faster to penetrate the upper layers of the skin.
What is Sodium Hyaluronate?
Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is more stable, has a smaller molecular weight and penetrates the upper layers of the skin faster than HA. Most modern 'hyaluronic acid' serums actually contain sodium hyaluronate, often in multi-molecular-weight blends that hydrate at multiple skin depths simultaneously.
Comedogenic Rating: What 0/5 Means for Your Skin
Sodium hyaluronate is rated 0/5 comedogenic. Like HA, it is a water-binding sugar molecule with no oil content.
Benefits for skin
- Penetrates deeper than HA
- Lightweight and non-tacky
- Pairs with any active ingredient
- Plumps fine lines visibly
Potential side effects & who should avoid it
Sodium hyaluronate is one of the safest ingredients in skincare. Allergy and irritation are essentially unreported.
Best for
- All skin types
- Dry
- Oily
- Sensitive
- Acne-prone
- Mature
Avoid if
No widely reported groups need to avoid this ingredient. Patch-test if you have a history of sensitivities.
How to use Sodium Hyaluronate safely
Apply to damp skin and seal with a moisturiser to lock hydration in. Pairs safely with all actives.
Commonly found in
Sodium hyaluronate is in serums, moisturisers, sheet masks, eye creams and most modern hydrating products.
Found Sodium Hyaluronate in your skincare?
Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is sodium hyaluronate comedogenic?
Is sodium hyaluronate safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Can I use sodium hyaluronate every day?
What's the difference between hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate?
Other humectants to know
Hyaluronic Acid
A powerhouse humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin, holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
Panthenol
Converts to Vitamin B5 in the skin. A humectant, soothing agent and barrier-repair active in one molecule.
Allantoin
A gentle keratolytic and soothing agent that calms irritation and softens roughness without exfoliating aggressively.
Glycerin
The most studied humectant in skincare. Draws water into the skin, supports barrier function and is suitable for every skin type.
Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.
Written by ScanSkinAI Cosmetic Science Team · Last updated June 2026
This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.