Ingredient review
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2
INCI: SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER-2
A next-gen hyaluronic acid that clings to skin longer for deep, lasting hydration without the sticky feel.
In plain English
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2 is a smarter version of regular hyaluronic acid. Think of it as a sponge that's been chemically linked together so it doesn't wash away as quickly. It sits on your skin and pulls moisture from the air, keeping your skin plump and hydrated for hours. Because it's crosslinked, it forms a thin, breathable film that helps lock in moisture better than standard hyaluronic acid, and it feels lighter on the skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Easy yes for most routines
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A chemically modified (crosslinked) form of sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid. Crosslinking creates larger, more stable molecules that resist breakdown and stay on the skin longer.
How it works
It forms a flexible, invisible film on the skin's surface that attracts and holds water molecules (humectancy). The crosslinked structure slows down how fast the ingredient is absorbed or washed off, so it continues to hydrate over a longer period. It also helps other ingredients stay on the skin better.
Pros
Longer-lasting hydration
The crosslinked structure resists washing off, so your skin stays hydrated for hours longer than with regular hyaluronic acid.
Lightweight feel
Despite being a larger molecule, it dries down without a heavy or sticky residue, making it comfortable for daily wear.
Cons and cautions
Surface-level only
Because of its large size, it stays on the skin's surface and doesn't penetrate deeply, so it won't hydrate the deeper layers of skin.
Potential tackiness in high amounts
If you apply too much or layer it with other thick products, it can feel a bit sticky until fully absorbed.
Best for
- Anyone with dry or dehydrated skin looking for lasting moisture
- People who want a lightweight hydrating layer under makeup or sunscreen
Use caution if
- Those with very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer a lighter humectant like glycerin
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2 is considered very safe for topical use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in cosmetic concentrations.
Research notes
Research on crosspolymer forms of hyaluronic acid is still emerging, but studies show they improve surface hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss (water lost from skin) compared to non-crosslinked versions. Most evidence comes from ingredient manufacturer studies and formulation science.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 1%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the FDA (as part of cosmetic ingredients) and the EU CosIng database.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Eye creams, Sheet masks
- Environmental note
- Produced via biotechnological fermentation (not animal-derived), making it vegan-friendly and more sustainable than older extraction methods.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often found in 'multi-weight hyaluronic acid' serums that combine different sizes for surface and deeper hydration.
- It's stable in a wide pH range, so it works well in many formulations.
Common questions
What is Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2 in beauty products?
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2 is a smarter version of regular hyaluronic acid. Think of it as a sponge that's been chemically linked together so it doesn't wash away as quickly. It sits on your skin and pulls moisture from the air, keeping your skin plump and hydrated for hours. Because it's crosslinked, it forms a thin, breathable film that helps lock in moisture better than standard hyaluronic acid, and it feels lighter on the skin.
What does Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2 do in a beauty product?
It forms a flexible, invisible film on the skin's surface that attracts and holds water molecules (humectancy). The crosslinked structure slows down how fast the ingredient is absorbed or washed off, so it continues to hydrate over a longer period. It also helps other ingredients stay on the skin better.
Is Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2 safe for most people?
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2 is considered very safe for topical use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in cosmetic concentrations.
Who should be careful with Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2?
Those with very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer a lighter humectant like glycerin
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.