Product Overview

Sodium Hyaluronate Extra Low Molecular Weight (INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate, CAS 9067-32-7, MW 100-400 kDa) is an advanced deep-penetrating HA grade engineered for delivery to the epidermis-dermis junction (DEJ) — the structural foundation of skin firmness. At 100-400 kDa (hydrodynamic radius ~10-20 nm), the polymer chains traverse the full epidermal thickness: stratum corneum (10-20 μm) → stratum granulosum → stratum spinosum → stratum basale → through the basement membrane into the papillary dermis where type I/III collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts reside. This is the deepest target reached by any non-hydrolyzed HA grade — higher MW grades (400-2,000 kDa, hydrodynamic radius ≥20 nm) are physically excluded before reaching the DEJ. At the DEJ, extra low MW HA activates fibroblast CD44 and RHAMM receptors, stimulating: (1) collagen type I and III synthesis via TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway, (2) elastin and fibrillin-1 production for elastic fiber assembly, (3) HAS1/HAS2 upregulation increasing endogenous HA production by fibroblasts. These mechanisms translate to clinically observed improved skin firmness, elasticity, dermal density, and reduced fine lines. Controlled enzymatic depolymerization of high MW HA using hyaluronidase (HYAL1) produces a narrow, consistent MW distribution (PDI <1.5) verified by GPC-MALLS for every batch — ensuring reproducible DEJ-targeted penetration and biological activity. UPOR Biotech manufactures under c-GMP and ISO 9001:2015 with COSMOS certification.

Extra Low MW HA — DEJ-Targeted Delivery for Structural Anti-Aging

High MW HA stays on the surface (stratum corneum only). Low MW HA reaches the deeper epidermis. Extra low MW HA (100-400 kDa) goes beyond — to the epidermis-dermis junction (DEJ), the critical anchoring zone where type IV/VII collagen, laminin-332, and hemidesmosomes form the basement membrane complex. At this depth, HA activates fibroblast CD44/RHAMR receptors → stimulates collagen I/III synthesis, elastin production, and endogenous HA upregulation. For formulations targeting visible firming, dermal restructuring, and professional-grade anti-aging, this targeted DEJ delivery is the mechanistic foundation that separates true structural rejuvenation from surface-level hydration.

Technical Specifications

PropertySpecification
Product NameSodium Hyaluronate Powder — Extra Low Molecular Weight
CAS Number9067-32-7
MW Range100 – 400 kDa (GPC-MALLS; controlled enzymatic depolymerization; PDI <1.5)
Key AdvantageDEJ-targeted delivery (hydrodynamic radius ~10-20 nm). Fibroblast CD44/RHAMR activation. Collagen I/III + elastin synthesis. Furthest non-hydrolyzed HA penetration.
AppearanceWhite to off-white powder or granules
Purity (HPLC)≥99.0%
pH (0.1% w/v)6.0 – 7.5
Bulk Density0.20 – 0.40 g/mL
SolubilitySoluble in water; low-viscosity solution — ideal for serums and ampoules
Loss on Drying≤10.0%
Protein Content≤0.1%
Heavy Metals≤10 ppm
Recommended Usage0.1 – 0.3% w/w; combine with high MW HA for multi-level system
GradeCosmetic Grade / Food 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 — Extra Low MW HA

DEJ-Targeted Delivery — Reaches Basement Membrane Zone

Hydrodynamic radius ~10-20 nm enables full epidermal traversal to the DEJ — the basement membrane anchoring zone. Only non-hydrolyzed HA grade achieving this depth. Delivers HA directly to the collagen-elastin-fibroblast structural foundation.

DEJ Target

Visible Firming — Collagen I/III and Elastin Synthesis

Fibroblast CD44/RHAMR activation at the papillary dermis stimulates TGF-β/Smad2/3-mediated collagen I/III synthesis and elastin/fibrillin-1 production. Clinically demonstrated improved skin firmness, elasticity, and dermal density.

Firming

Endogenous HA Upregulation — HAS1/HAS2 Stimulation

Extra low MW HA fragments (100-400 kDa) are the optimal size range for CD44-mediated HAS1/HAS2 upregulation in fibroblasts — stimulating the skin’s own HA production for sustained, self-amplifying hydration beyond the applied dose.

Pro-Collagen

Consistent MW Distribution — Enzymatic Depolymerization

Controlled hyaluronidase (HYAL1) depolymerization produces narrow, consistent MW distribution (PDI <1.5) verified by GPC-MALLS. Ensures reproducible DEJ penetration and biological activity batch-to-batch.

c-GMP Certified

Applications

Professional Anti-Aging Treatments — DEJ-Level Results

Core active in professional-grade anti-aging at 0.1-0.3%. DEJ-targeted delivery addresses skin laxity, loss of firmness, and fine lines at the structural level for clinically meaningful results.

Firming Serums and Lifting Ampoules

Low viscosity at effective concentrations enables elegant, fast-absorbing firming serums. Combine with high MW HA for surface protection + DEJ restructuring in a single product.

Advanced Eye Treatments — Periocular DEJ Firming

Optimal MW for the thin periocular skin. Penetrates to firm crow’s feet and under-eye laxity without heavy residue or milia risk. Ideal for concentrated eye serums at 0.1-0.2%.

Medical Cosmetics and Post-Procedure Care

Meets medical cosmetic quality requirements. c-GMP manufactured with full traceability. Supports basement membrane repair and fibroblast activation during post-procedure recovery.

Neck and Jawline Firming — Thin-Skin Structural Care

Targeted DEJ-level treatment for neck/décolleté sagging. Addresses the structural causes in areas with thinner epidermis and fewer sebaceous glands for visible contouring results.

Premium Nutraceuticals — Bioavailable Oral HA

Food-grade extra low MW HA for beauty-from-within supplements. Enhanced absorption supports systemic skin hydration, joint health, and dermal matrix maintenance.

MW Comparison — HA Grades

GradeMWPrimary FunctionPenetration
High MW1,500-2,000 kDaFilm-forming, surface hydrationSurface only
Low MW400-1,000 kDaDeep hydration, anti-wrinkleDeeper epidermis
Extra Low MW (this product)100-400 kDaDEJ-targeted firming, collagen supportEpidermis-dermis junction
Super Low MW20-50 kDaTransdermal delivery, plumpingDermis
Oligo HA7-10 kDaCellular signaling, wound healingDeep dermis

Frequently Asked Questions

Extra low MW HA (100-400 kDa) is a DEJ-targeted deep-penetrating grade for professional anti-aging treatments, firming serums, advanced eye care, and medical cosmetics. Its hydrodynamic radius (~10-20 nm) enables traversal of the full epidermis to reach the DEJ — the basement membrane anchoring zone where collagen/elastin fibers connect to basal keratinocytes. At this depth, it activates fibroblast CD44/RHAMR receptors stimulating collagen synthesis, elastin production, and endogenous HA upregulation for structural anti-aging.

To the epidermis-dermis junction (DEJ) — significantly deeper than high MW (surface only), medium MW (upper epidermis), and low MW (deeper epidermis). This is the furthest penetration achieved by any non-hydrolyzed HA grade. The DEJ is the critical anchoring zone — the structural foundation of skin firmness where collagen and elastin fibers connect to the epidermis via hemidesmosome basement membrane complexes.

Yes. At the DEJ and upper papillary dermis, extra low MW HA (100-400 kDa) activates fibroblast CD44/RHAMR receptors, stimulating TGF-β/Smad2/3-mediated collagen type I/III synthesis, elastin/fibrillin-1 production, and HAS1/HAS2-mediated endogenous HA upregulation. This multi-pathway fibroblast activation translates to clinically observed improved firmness, elasticity, dermal density, and reduced fine lines. Many formulators pair extra low MW HA with copper peptides or Matrixyl for synergistic collagen-boosting.

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

0.1-0.3% w/w in serums, ampoules, and lightweight deep-penetration formulations. Produces low-viscosity solutions ideal for leave-on anti-aging products. Combine with high MW HA (surface film protection) for multi-level anti-aging: surface hydration + DEJ structural firming. Add to water phase below 40°C to preserve molecular integrity.