Hyaluronic Acid

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INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant 10/10 Safety CG ApprovedClean Natural Vegan

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant naturally found in human connective tissue, skin, and eyes. In hair care, it is typically used as Sodium Hyaluronate, a smaller molecule that can better penetrate hair and scalp. A single molecule of HA can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an exceptional moisturizing ingredient.

Source: Bacterial fermentation (modern production) or rooster combs (traditional)

Origin: Natural

Also known as: Hyaluronic Acid, HA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluron

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do to Your Hair?

Hyaluronic Acid attracts and binds massive amounts of water to the hair and scalp surface, providing intense and long-lasting hydration. The smaller Sodium Hyaluronate form can penetrate between cuticle layers to hydrate the hair cortex from within. It plumps thin, dehydrated hair strands and improves scalp moisture balance.

Best For

Dry hair, dehydrated hair, fine hair wanting moisture without weight, all hair types, aging hair

Not Recommended For

Not known to be problematic for any hair type

Concentration Matters

0.01-2%

Hair Type Compatibility

1A Straight Fine
1B Straight Medium
1C Straight Coarse
2A Wavy Fine
2B Wavy Medium
2C Wavy Coarse
3A Curly Loose
3B Curly Tight
3C Curly Corkscrew
4A Coily S-Shaped
4B Coily Z-Shaped
4C Coily Tight

Method Compatibility

Curly Girl (CG) Method: Approved
CG Approved
LOC Method
Max Hydration

Safety & Regulation

10/10
AvoidCautionSafe

Extremely safe. No known adverse effects at any concentration. Naturally present in the human body. Non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Suitable for the most sensitive scalps.

FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe

FDA permits use in cosmetics. Also used in FDA-approved injectable dermal fillers and medical devices at much higher concentrations.

EWG Score: 1/10

HairAide Verdict

Hyaluronic Acid is a newer entrant to hair care from the skincare world, and it lives up to the hype. It provides lightweight, intense hydration without any heaviness — perfect for fine hair that needs moisture. HairAide recommends it as an excellent alternative to glycerin for those in very humid or very dry climates.

Products That Contain Hyaluronic Acid

Hydrating shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, scalp serums, styling products

Alternatives to Hyaluronic Acid

If you want to avoid Hyaluronic Acid, look for products with these ingredients instead:

Glycerin, Panthenol, Aloe Vera, Sodium PCA

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hyaluronic Acid safe for hair?

Yes, Hyaluronic Acid has a safety rating of 10/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Extremely safe. No known adverse effects at any concentration. Naturally present in the human body. Non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Suitable for the most sensitive scalps.

Is Hyaluronic Acid bad for curly hair?

Hyaluronic Acid is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.

Is Hyaluronic Acid CG-method approved?

Yes, Hyaluronic Acid is approved for the Curly Girl method.

What can I use instead of Hyaluronic Acid?

Some alternatives to Hyaluronic Acid include: Glycerin, Panthenol, Aloe Vera, Sodium PCA

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