Common Name(s): Benzyl hyaluronate,benzyl hyaluronate,benzyl hyaluronate,enhanced ha derivative
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides 1000x water retention humectancy for superior hydration versus standard ha formulations.
Why It's Used: Benzyl modification provides performance advantages over standard sodium hyaluronate โ the modification providing the specific functional improvement for targeted applications
How It Works: Ha backbone (beta-1,3/beta-1,4 glucuronate-glcnac disaccharide repeat) provides the 1000x water binding from polyanionic carboxylate groups. benzyl modification alters the physicochemical properties โ molecular weight, charge, or lipophilicity โ to provide specific delivery or retention advantages versus unmodified ha.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging hydration,premium serums
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ humectant
Secondary Functions: Moisture retention,hydration
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,barrier actives
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Ha molecular weight determines skin penetration vs surface hydration: ultra-low mw (<10 kda) penetrates sc to dermis; low mw (50-300 kda) intermediate penetration; high mw (>1 mda) surface film only. chemical modification (acetylation, crosslinking) provides independent control of these delivery properties.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,benzyl hyaluronate ha derivative review