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Answer: Sodium Hyaluronate is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum, Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster.
TL;DR: Sodium Hyaluronate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (humectant).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name SODIUM HYALURONATE. Also called NaHA. CAS 9067-32-7.
Other names: HA salt, Hyaluronate sodium, NaHA
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum, Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster, SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel |
| CAS number | 9067-32-7 |
Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid. It has a slightly smaller molecular weight than free hyaluronic acid, which allows better penetration into the outer layers of the stratum corneum. It is the form most commonly used in topical serum formulations.
Used as a potent humectant in water-based serums and moisturizers. The smaller molecular size compared to high-MW HA allows it to penetrate the upper skin layers more effectively, providing deeper hydration.
Sodium hyaluronate shares the excellent safety profile of hyaluronic acid. It is an endogenous compound, non-allergenic, non-irritating, and thoroughly reviewed as safe by the CIR. No concerns regarding carcinogenicity, hormones, or systemic toxicity exist.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Sodium Hyaluronatewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Hyaluronic acid itself; sodium PCA or glycerin as alternative humectants.
Neither is universally better. Lower-MW sodium hyaluronate penetrates deeper; high-MW hyaluronic acid forms a better surface film. Many premium products use both for synergistic layered hydration.
Modern cosmetic sodium hyaluronate is produced by bacterial fermentation and is entirely vegan. Older, animal-derived sources (rooster comb) are rarely used today.
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