We are happy you asked, because we spent a long time figuring out the importance of the molecular weight of Hyaluronic Acid used in skincare. Molecular weight refers to the mass of the molecules and is measured in Daltons. Smaller the molecular weight, smaller the molecules and deeper they can go into your skin. But how small is too small and will it start getting counterproductive if the particles get too small? These are really interesting questions.
Hyaluronic Acid comes in a spectacularly wide range starting from 4000 and up to a staggering 8,000,000 daltons. Studies have concluded that Hyaluronic Acid below 50,000 dalton molecular weight can start negatively impacting the skin. The molecules get too small and go too deep where moisture can’t get to it. Deprived of an external source, it absorbs from deep skin layers, causing irritation and breakouts. On the opposite end, if the molecular weight gets too high, the Hyaluronic Acid can’t get deep enough to attract moisture and be useful. Remember that it is an ingredient that can bring no utility if it’s on the top of your skin. It must get into the layers to work its magic.
At Hunza Herbal we use Super Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in the range of 50,000-130,000 daltons to get deep enough into the skin to work our magic - no other cosmetic brands will tell you their molecular weight, many won't even know what their contract manufacturer put into the product. We work at a molecular weight that is clinically proven to have delivered the best results in removing age signs including wrinkles, age spots and fine lines.
In summary we can conclude that molecular weight of the Hyaluronic Acid is very important in skincare and lower molecular weights bring the best results for skin hydration and anti-aging.
