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ES A practical raw material comparison for cosmetic formulators, OEM/ODM manufacturers, and sourcing teams.
A formulation brief may say Hyaluronic Acid while the supplier quotation says Sodium Hyaluronate. The sample label or COA may use another variation of the name.
“HA” is convenient shorthand. It is not precise enough for raw material approval.
Sodium Hyaluronate and Hyaluronic Acid are closely related. They are not the same ingredient identity. Cosmetic manufacturers should confirm the exact name, CAS number, molecular weight and specification before approving a sample.
Is Sodium Hyaluronate the Same as Hyaluronic Acid?
No. Sodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt of Hyaluronic Acid.
Both materials share the same polysaccharide backbone. The difference is their chemical form. This distinction affects how the raw material is identified in specifications, labels and purchasing documents.
| Item | Hyaluronic Acid | Sodium Hyaluronate |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical form | Acid form | Sodium salt |
| CAS number | 9004-61-9 | 9067-32-7 |
| Ingredient name | Hyaluronic Acid | Sodium Hyaluronate |
| Molecular weight | Grade-specific | Grade-specific |
| Key purchasing check | Identity, MW and specification | Identity, MW and specification |
The name alone does not define the complete commercial grade. It does not confirm molecular weight, assay, transparency, viscosity or microbiological limits.
Sodium Hyaluronate Is Not Automatically Lower Molecular Weight
A common comparison says Sodium Hyaluronate is simply a smaller version of Hyaluronic Acid. That explanation is incomplete.
Salt form and molecular weight are separate specifications.
Sodium Hyaluronate can be supplied in oligo, low, medium and high molecular weight ranges. Hyaluronic Acid is also available at different molecular weights.
Molecular weight has a direct effect on solution behavior. Under comparable conditions, higher-molecular-weight material generally produces higher viscosity. Concentration, temperature, pH, electrolytes and processing also affect the result.
For this reason, LMW or HMW is not enough for technical approval. Request the numeric range and confirm the applicable test information.
What Should Cosmetic Manufacturers Compare?
Start with the finished formulation. Then define the raw material requirements.
| Information | Why It Matters |
| Exact ingredient name | Distinguishes the acid, salt and hydrolyzed forms |
| CAS number | Confirms raw material identity |
| Intended application | Helps narrow the applicable grade |
| Molecular weight range | Affects hydration, viscosity and product texture |
| Assay requirement | Keeps supplier quotations comparable |
| Target transparency | Important for clear serums, toners and gels |
| Formula pH | Supports compatibility assessment |
| Other formula components | Electrolytes, surfactants and thickeners may affect performance |
| Estimated quantity | Supports the correct commercial quotation |
| Packaging and destination | Affects supply and shipping arrangements |
Do not compare prices until the technical basis is the same.
Two quotations may both say “95% Sodium Hyaluronate” while covering different molecular weights, test requirements or packaging.
What Does Renew’s Current TDS Confirm?
Renew’s Cosmetic Grade Sodium Hyaluronate TDS identifies the material as Sodium Hyaluronate, CAS 9067-32-7.
The specification includes identity, composition, solution-quality, heavy-metal and microbiological controls.
| TDS Item | Renew Specification |
| Appearance | White powder or granules |
| Sodium Hyaluronate content | ≥95.0% |
| Glucuronic acid content | ≥45.0% |
| Transparency | ≥99.0% |
| Absorbance | ≤0.25 |
| pH | 5.0–8.5 |
| Protein | ≤0.10% |
| Loss on drying | ≤10.0% |
| Total colony count | ≤100 CFU/g |
| Fungi and yeasts | ≤50 CFU/g |
| E. coli | Negative |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Negative |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Negative |
The TDS records average molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity as actual measured values. These results should be reviewed for the selected grade and relevant batch.
Individual limits are also specified for lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium. Review the complete TDS and applicable COA during supplier approval.
Standard packaging is 1 kg per bag or 25 kg per drum. Store the unopened material sealed in a cool, dry place or under refrigerated conditions at 2–8°C.
Once dissolved, the solution requires appropriate microbiological control. Prepare only the required amount or use a validated preservative system and storage process.
How Should Formulators Compare Samples?
Use the same preparation conditions for every sample.
- Use the same concentration and water quality.
- Keep mixing equipment, speed and time consistent.
- Record dispersion and hydration time.
- Measure solution clarity and final viscosity.
- Test the material in the complete formula.
- Check compatibility with preservatives, electrolytes and other active ingredients.
- Run the required stability and microbiological tests before scale-up.
A clear result in water does not guarantee the same behavior in a finished formula.
The complete formulation determines the final viscosity, appearance and sensory profile.
Check the Name Across Purchasing Documents
The raw material identity should remain clear across:
- Quotation
- Product specification
- TDS
- SDS
- Sample label
- Batch-specific COA
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
If a quotation says Hyaluronic Acid but the COA says Sodium Hyaluronate, request clarification before approval.
The issue may be commercial shorthand. It still needs to be resolved in the purchasing record.
Which Raw Material Should the Formula Specify?
Use the material defined by the approved formula and target-market documentation.
If the formula requires Sodium Hyaluronate, confirm:
- INCI name
- CAS number
- Molecular weight range
- Assay
- Transparency
- pH
- Protein
- Heavy metals
- Microbiological limits
If the brief only says “Hyaluronic Acid,” clarify the exact ingredient before requesting samples.
Neither material is universally better. The correct choice is the grade that meets the formula, specification and supply requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only after confirming the exact ingredient identity and specification. Compare the same molecular weight range, assay basis, packaging, order quantity and delivery terms.
No. Sodium Hyaluronate is available across different molecular weight ranges. Request a numeric range and the relevant test information.
Review the TDS, specification and sample identification first. Then test hydration time, transparency, viscosity and compatibility in the intended formula.
Provide the intended product format, target molecular weight, required specification, estimated quantity, packaging requirement and destination country. Include target clarity, viscosity or pH when relevant.
Sourcing Cosmetic Grade Sodium Hyaluronate?
Review NewHa® Cosmetic Grade Sodium Hyaluronate for the current product specification, molecular weight options and supply information.
When contacting Renew, send:
- Finished product format
- Target molecular weight
- Required specification
- Estimated order quantity
- Packaging requirement
- Destination country
Renew can confirm the applicable grade, sample availability, current product documents and quotation.