Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Also known as Hydrolyzed hyaluronane, Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed HA, HA hydrolyzate
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is the hydrolysate of Hyaluronic Acid derived by acid, enzyme, or other method of hydrolysis, yielding lower-molecular-weight fragments (MW 37–56 MDa per the 2023 CIR report). The 2023 CIR Expert Panel reviewed all 7 hyaluronate cosmetic ingredients, including Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid specifically, and concluded they are safe in the present practices of use and concentration. The Panel noted that sensitization studies were not performed at maximum use concentrations, but determined additional studies were not needed given the large molecular weights and absence of systemic absorption evidence. No conditions on use concentration were imposed. No PubMed studies specifically addressing the cosmetic safety of the INCI ingredient were identified; the safety evidence rests on the 2023 CIR group assessment, which is ingredient_specific for Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid by name.
Humectant and skin/hair conditioning agent; functions listed in wINCID as Hair Conditioning Agents, Skin-Conditioning Agents, and Humectant
Lower molecular weight than native Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate, enabling deeper penetration into the epidermis
Reported in 476 formulations in the 2023 FDA VCRP database, indicating broad cosmetic use
Structurally derived from Hyaluronic Acid, an endogenous skin matrix polymer, supporting biocompatibility
Non-genotoxic based on Ames assay data for structurally similar Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
The Panel noted that when derived from animal sources (rooster combs), hyaluronate ingredients may carry biologically-derived impurities (nucleic acids, proteins, endotoxins); the cosmetics industry should use necessary procedures to limit infectious agents and impurities
Low-MW HA fragments penetrate deeper into the epidermis than high-MW forms; the Panel determined this does not raise a safety concern at cosmetic use concentrations, but depth of penetration is greater than for parent high-MW Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate
A single case report of upper airway angioedema was associated with a spray product containing Hyaluronic Acid (0.01%), though not Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid specifically; the patient recovered after treatment
CIR Safety Assessment of Hyaluronates as Used in Cosmetics (Final Report, July 7, 2023) — Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid named directly in sc…
“The Expert Panel concluded that the 7 following hyaluronate ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment: Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Calcium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate”— FR_Hyaluronates_062023.pdf, p. 13