Topical hyaluronic acid is commonly used in cosmetic products for its potential skin benefits. However, the effectiveness depends on the molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid used. Lower molecular weight hyaluronic acids below 50 kDa may be able to penetrate the skin, while higher molecular weights from 100-1400 kDa are too large to penetrate. Clinical studies have found that both low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acids can provide benefits such as skin hydration and anti-aging effects when applied topically. However, the optimal formulation may involve using a combination of low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acids to leverage their different properties. More research is still needed to better understand how different molecular

1. TOPICAL
HYALURONIC ACID:
Does it really work?
Peter Nugraha Soekmadji
Department of Dermatovenereology
Faculty of Medicine
Maranatha Christian University
Bandung

2. Conflict of Interest Statement
• NO support or commercial funding for this
presentation or for any products mentioned
here

7. HA in skin aging:
What we know

10. Topical HA:
Cosmetics or cosmeceuticals???

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Water Glycerin
1000-1400 kDa HA 100-300 kDa HA
20-50 kDa HA

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23. Topical HA:
Hit or hype???

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