acetylated sodium hyaluronate
Also known as: Acetylated hyaluronic acid, Acetylated sodium hyaluronate, Grafted hyaluronic acid, Acetylated Sodium Hyaluronate
Overview
Acetylated sodium hyaluronate is a chemically modified form of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found in the extracellular matrix of connective tissues, skin, and synovial fluid. Acetylation enhances HA’s resistance to enzymatic degradation, increases bioavailability, and improves antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is primarily used in skincare for anti-aging and anti-wrinkle effects, in ophthalmology for dry eye treatment, and in orthopedics for osteoarthritis management as a viscosupplement. Research includes in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, with some systematic reviews/meta-analyses on sodium hyaluronate but fewer specifically on acetylated forms. Evidence includes biochemical assays, cell studies, and clinical trials, with limited but promising high-quality RCTs on acetylated sodium hyaluronate.
Benefits
Acetylated sodium hyaluronate exhibits enhanced bioavailability compared to native HA, leading to prolonged activity in tissues. In vitro studies demonstrate improved radical scavenging activity, suggesting potential to reduce oxidative stress in skin cells. It also shows anti-inflammatory effects by reducing inflammatory markers in macrophage cell lines, potentially benefiting inflammatory skin conditions. Clinical data indicate protective effects against extracellular matrix degradation related to aging, improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate (non-acetylated) is effective in improving dry eye symptoms post-cataract surgery, with meta-analysis showing a 33% increase in treatment effectiveness. Elderly populations with dry eye or skin aging may benefit most, and osteoarthritis patients benefit from viscosupplementation with sodium hyaluronate.
How it works
Acetylated sodium hyaluronate acts as a hydrating agent by retaining water molecules. Acetylation protects HA from enzymatic degradation by hyaluronidase, prolonging its presence and activity. It modulates extracellular matrix integrity and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in skin and ocular tissues. It scavenges free radicals, modulates macrophage inflammatory responses, and interacts with CD44 receptors involved in cell signaling and tissue repair. Acetylation increases lipophilicity and resistance to degradation, enhancing tissue penetration and retention compared to native HA.
Side effects
Sodium hyaluronate and its acetylated derivatives are generally recognized as safe with a long history of use in cosmetics and medical applications. Common side effects include mild local irritation or transient redness in topical or injectable forms. Uncommon side effects include rare allergic reactions or injection site discomfort. Severe hypersensitivity reactions are very rare. No significant drug interactions have been reported. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to hyaluronate products. It is considered safe in elderly and post-surgical patients, but caution is advised in individuals with known allergies.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose is not well-established for acetylated sodium hyaluronate; typical cosmetic formulations contain 0.1–1% concentration. For sodium hyaluronate in dry eye, topical doses vary; for injectable viscosupplementation, doses are standardized per product. No toxicity has been reported at cosmetic or therapeutic doses. Benefits in dry eye are seen after 1 month, while skin effects require consistent application over weeks to months. It is available in topical creams, serums, eye drops, and injectable formulations. Acetylation improves skin penetration and stability.
FAQs
Is acetylated sodium hyaluronate safe for daily use?
Yes, it is generally safe with minimal side effects reported in clinical use and safety assessments.
How soon can results be expected?
Improvements in dry eye symptoms may be observed within 1 month, while skin anti-aging effects may take longer with consistent use.
Does acetylation make a big difference?
Yes, acetylation improves stability, bioavailability, and biological activity compared to native HA, enhancing its effectiveness.
Can it be used with other skincare ingredients?
Yes, acetylated sodium hyaluronate is generally compatible with most skincare formulations and ingredients.
Is it effective for joint health?
Acetylated forms are less studied for joints; sodium hyaluronate is well-established for osteoarthritis management.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4121155/ – This in vitro study demonstrated that acetylated hyaluronic acid has increased bioavailability and enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to native HA. The study used an ABTS radical scavenging assay and macrophage cell lines to assess these properties. While the in vitro setting limits direct clinical applicability, the results suggest potential benefits for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34708918/ – This clinical study investigated the anti-wrinkle properties of sodium acetylated hyaluronate, showing protective effects against extracellular matrix degradation related to aging. The study suggests improved skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction. However, the abstract lacks detailed methodology and sample size information, limiting a full assessment of the study's rigor.
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Hyaluronates_1.pdf – This safety assessment report confirms the general safety of sodium acetylated hyaluronate in cosmetics, with no significant adverse effects reported. The report provides a comprehensive review of the safety profile of hyaluronates, supporting their use in various cosmetic applications. This assessment contributes to the overall understanding of the safety of acetylated sodium hyaluronate.
- https://apm.amegroups.org/article/view/42204/html – This meta-analysis of sodium hyaluronate for dry eye after cataract surgery included 12 RCTs and found a 33% increase in the total effective rate and significant symptom score reduction. While the meta-analysis provides strong evidence for the efficacy of sodium hyaluronate in treating dry eye, it did not specifically analyze the acetylated form. The high heterogeneity observed in the study suggests caution in interpreting the results.
- https://orthopedicreviews.openmedicalpublishing.org/article/25549 – This review article discusses the use of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of osteoarthritis. It highlights the role of hyaluronic acid as a viscosupplement, improving joint lubrication and reducing pain. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical applications of hyaluronic acid in orthopedics.