Product Overview

Sodium Hyaluronate Super Low Molecular Weight (INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate, CAS 9067-32-7, MW 20-50 kDa) is the ultra-penetrating, dermis-targeted HA grade — the smallest MW among standard commercial sodium hyaluronate grades (excluding oligo HA at 7-10 kDa). With a hydrodynamic radius of ~5-8 nm, these HA chains traverse the full epidermal barrier: through the tortuous intercellular lipid pathway of the stratum corneum (intercellular space ~50-100 nm width) → viable epidermis (stratum granulosum, spinosum, basale) → across the basement membrane (hemidesmosome complex, ~50-100 nm thickness) → into the papillary and reticular dermis — the same tissue layer targeted by intradermal HA filler injections (though fillers provide bulk volume via crosslinked depots while topical super low MW HA provides diffuse ECM hydration). This grade uniquely combines: (1) physical dermal water-binding and plumping — the 20-50 kDa chains retain sufficient length for meaningful water retention capacity (~500-1,000× weight in water binding) within the glycosaminoglycan-hydrated ground substance of the dermal ECM, creating visible volume enhancement; (2) fibroblast CD44/RHAMR receptor activation — stimulating HAS1/HAS2-mediated endogenous HA production for sustained, self-amplifying dermal hydration (auto-induction); and (3) collagen-elastin matrix hydration support — maintaining optimal water content of the collagen fibril network for mechanical resilience. The 20-50 kDa MW range is the optimal therapeutic window: below 20 kDa (oligo HA, 7-10 kDa) transitions to primarily receptor-mediated signaling and angiogenic/inflammatory modulation without significant physical water-binding; above 50 kDa is progressively excluded from the dermis due to hydrodynamic radius exceeding basement membrane porosity. UPOR Biotech produces super low MW HA via controlled hyaluronidase (HYAL1) enzymatic depolymerization of high MW HA, yielding a narrow, reproducible MW distribution (PDI <1.5, GPC-MALLS verified). Manufactured under c-GMP and ISO 9001:2015 with COSMOS certification.

Super Low MW HA — Transdermal Delivery to the Dermis

Most HA grades work on the surface (high MW, 1,500-2,000 kDa) or upper skin layers (low MW, 400-1,000 kDa). Super low MW HA (20-50 kDa) is fundamentally different — its hydrodynamic radius (~5-8 nm) is small enough to traverse the full epidermal thickness, cross the basement membrane, and reach the papillary and reticular dermis — the same tissue compartment as injectable HA fillers. The result is deep dermal hydration, visible skin plumping, and genuine dermal matrix rejuvenation from a non-invasive topical application — the closest alternative to injectable HA treatments. For formulations targeting visible volume enhancement, deep wrinkle improvement, or professional-grade anti-aging at the dermal level, this MW grade is the mechanistic foundation that makes transdermal HA delivery possible.

Technical Specifications

PropertySpecification
Product NameSodium Hyaluronate Powder — Super Low Molecular Weight
CAS Number9067-32-7
MW Range20 – 50 kDa (GPC-MALLS; controlled HYAL1 depolymerization; PDI <1.5)
Key AdvantageDermis-targeted transdermal delivery (hydrodynamic radius ~5-8 nm). Physical ECM water-binding + fibroblast CD44/RHAMR activation. Closest topical to injectable HA.
AppearanceWhite to off-white powder
Purity (HPLC)≥99.0%
pH (0.1% w/v)5.0 – 7.0
Bulk Density0.20 – 0.40 g/mL
SolubilityFreely soluble; low-viscosity solution — ideal for serums and ampoules
Loss on Drying≤10.0%
Protein Content≤0.1%
Heavy Metals≤10 ppm
Recommended Usage0.05 – 0.2% w/w; effective at very low concentrations due to high bioavailability
GradeCosmetic Grade
CertificationsISO 9001:2015, c-GMP, FDA, HALAL, KOSHER, COSMOS, USP/EP
Packaging1 kg / 5 kg / 25 kg sealed containers
Storage15-25°C; dry, dark; tightly sealed; shelf life 2-3 years

Key Benefits — Super Low MW HA

True Transdermal Delivery — Reaches the Dermis

Hydrodynamic radius ~5-8 nm enables full epidermal traversal + basement membrane crossing into the papillary/reticular dermis — the only topical HA grade achieving dermal-level delivery with meaningful water-binding capacity. Reaches the same tissue layer as injectable HA fillers.

Transdermal

Intense Skin Plumping — Dermal ECM Hydration

Delivers ~500-1,000× water-binding capacity directly to the dermal ECM glycosaminoglycan-hydrated ground substance. Produces visible, measurable skin volume enhancement from within — the physical plumping mechanism that makes this the closest topical to injectable HA.

Volume Effect

Fibroblast HAS1/HAS2 Activation — Sustained Endogenous HA

CD44/RHAMR-mediated fibroblast stimulation upregulates HAS1/HAS2 — the skin’s own HA production enzymes. Creates a sustained, self-amplifying dermal hydration cycle beyond the applied dose. Auto-induction mechanism for prolonged anti-aging benefit.

Dermal Repair

Precise MW Control — HYAL1 Enzymatic Depolymerization

Controlled hyaluronidase (HYAL1) depolymerization yields narrow, consistent 20-50 kDa distribution (PDI <1.5, GPC-MALLS verified). Ensures reproducible dermal penetration and biological activity — critical for transdermal claims substantiation.

c-GMP Certified

Applications

Premium Plumping Serums — Visible Volume Enhancement

Star active in high-end plumping and volumizing serums at 0.05-0.2%. Dermal ECM water-binding delivers visible skin fullness and deep hydration — physical plumping from within.

Needle-Free Alternatives — Topical Filler Alternative

The closest topical to injectable HA. Ideal for brands marketing non-invasive plumping solutions and at-home dermal care. Transdermal delivery reaches the same tissue layer as fillers via non-invasive application.

Lip Volumizing Products — Dermal Lip Plumping

Key ingredient in lip plumping glosses, balms, and serums. Deep dermal hydration delivers visible lip volume enhancement through tissue hydration — needle-free lip plumping mechanism.

Professional Clinic Treatments — Mesotherapy and Protocols

Used in clinic-grade topical formulations, mesotherapy cocktails, and professional aesthetic protocols requiring dermal-level HA delivery. c-GMP manufactured for professional use.

Post-Procedure Recovery — Microneedling and Laser Aftercare

Supports skin recovery after microneedling, laser, and chemical peels. Deep dermal hydration accelerates fibroblast activation and ECM restoration during the post-procedure healing window.

Advanced Anti-Aging — Dermal Density and Deep Wrinkle Improvement

Core active in next-generation anti-aging targeting dermal density, firmness, and deep wrinkle improvement. Transdermal HA + fibroblast HAS1/HAS2 auto-induction for sustained rejuvenation.

MW Comparison — HA Grades

GradeMWPrimary FunctionPenetration
High MW1,500-2,000 kDaFilm-forming, surface hydrationSurface only
Extra Low MW100-400 kDaDEJ-targeted firming, collagen supportEpidermis-dermis junction
Super Low MW (this product)20-50 kDaTransdermal delivery, dermal plumpingDermis
Oligo HA7-10 kDaCellular signaling, wound healingDeep dermis

Frequently Asked Questions

Super low MW HA (20-50 kDa) is engineered for transdermal delivery to the dermis. Its hydrodynamic radius (~5-8 nm) enables traversal through the full epidermis and basement membrane into the papillary/reticular dermis — the same tissue compartment targeted by injectable HA fillers. Used in premium plumping serums, needle-free alternatives, lip volumizing, professional treatments, and post-procedure care. The only topical HA grade achieving dermal delivery with meaningful water-binding capacity (~500-1,000×).

Super low MW HA is the closest topical alternative to injectable HA. While it cannot replicate the immediate bulk volume or 6-18 month longevity of crosslinked dermal fillers, its transdermal delivery reaches the dermis — the same target layer — providing visible skin plumping, deep ECM hydration, and fibroblast HAS1/HAS2 activation through non-invasive application. Ideal for needle-free product positioning or complementary at-home maintenance between professional injectable treatments.

Super low MW HA (20-50 kDa) is fundamentally different: High MW stays on surface (film-forming only); Low MW reaches epidermis; Super low MW reaches all the way to the dermis — crossing the basement membrane that excludes larger MW grades (hydrodynamic radius ~5-8 nm vs BM porosity ~10-20 nm effective). Choose this grade when transdermal delivery and deep dermal physical plumping are the formulation goals.

ISO 9001:2015, c-GMP, FDA-registered, HALAL, KOSHER, COSMOS Natural Certified. Meets USP/EP. Controlled HYAL1 depolymerization yields narrow, reproducible MW distribution (PDI <1.5, GPC-MALLS verified). Full documentation: COA (MW, PDI, purity), MSDS, TSE/BSE, stability data, lot traceability.

0.05-0.2% w/w — effective at very low concentrations due to high dermal bioavailability. Produces low-viscosity solutions ideal for serums and ampoules. For optimal transdermal delivery, pair with penetration enhancers (glycols, liposomes) or formulate at pH 5.0-6.0 to enhance skin permeability.