Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid 10-20 kDa, IO

What this ingredient is

Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid 10-20 kDa is a hyaluronic acid powder with a low molecular weight, about 10 to 20 kilodaltons. For comparison, standard cosmetic hyaluronic acid often ranges from several hundred thousand to over a million daltons. The shorter chains change how the ingredient behaves: it builds far less viscosity, feels lighter and leaves a more invisible film. This page sells the powder by the gram. Our product record lists it as water-soluble and warns against prolonged heating above 60 °C for 60 minutes. The INCI and exact specification are on the CoA.

Properties

Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is popular for a fresh, non-sticky feel and is often combined with high molecular weight grades so that a product hydrates on the surface and feels light at the same time. Because it hardly thickens water, it is easy to dose into clear serums and toners without changing the texture. Shoppers know hyaluronic acid well, and naming the molecular weight on the label has become a way for brands to show expertise.

Applications

The record names lotions, creams, eye creams, essences and face masks. Other good fits are toners, sheet mask fluids, hydrating mists and lightweight gel creams. A multi-weight approach pairs this ingredient with Ultra low molecular sodium hyaluronate and with Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer for a layered hydration story. More humectants are in our cosmetic actives catalog.

How to dissolve and add it

Sprinkle the powder slowly onto the surface of cold or lukewarm water while stirring, then keep mixing until the solution is clear. Premixing it with a little glycerin before adding water prevents lumps. Add the solution to the water phase or during cool-down. Do not hold it above 60 °C for an hour or longer. Use the level given on the CoA; low molecular weight grades are typically used in fractions of a percent.

Planning a multi-weight serum

Dissolve each grade separately, combine the solutions and adjust the thickener last. List the grades clearly in marketing copy, but keep the claims about hydration and the look of smoother, plumper skin.

Compatibility

This ingredient is compatible with glycerin, panthenol, niacinamide, peptides, plant extracts, cellulose and gum thickeners and nonionic emulsifiers. Strong acids, high electrolyte levels and oxidizers can degrade hyaluronic acid. Cationic ingredients can form complexes, so test them first. Avoid enzyme-containing raw materials in the same product.

Characteristics

Form: powder. Molecular weight: about 10 to 20 kDa. Solubility: water. Heat limit per our record: avoid prolonged heating above 60 °C for 60 minutes. INCI: on the CoA.

Original recipe: multi-weight hydrating toner, 100 g

Phase A: distilled water 92.30 g, glycerin 3.00 g, panthenol 1.00 g. Sprinkle in Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid 10-20 kDa 0.10 g and Ultra low molecular sodium hyaluronate 0.10 g while stirring and mix until clear. Phase B: betaine 2.00 g, allantoin 0.10 g. Phase C: PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil 0.30 g premixed with a light fragrance 0.10 g, preservative 1.00 g. Combine, adjust pH to about 5.5 and fill into a bottle with a fine mist or a flip cap.

Record the lot number in your batch log so every production run can be traced back to its certificate of analysis. Retain a small sample of each lot for at least the shelf life of the finished product, since it makes later quality questions much easier to answer.

Storage

Keep the powder sealed in a cool, dry place away from humidity. Hyaluronic acid powders absorb moisture quickly, so close the container right after use. Ships from Florida in gram packs.