Common Name(s): N-hyaluronoyl 5-hydroxydopamine,n-hyaluronoyl 5-hydroxydopamine,ha-dopamine conjugate,adhesive mussel-mimetic active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides ha's 1,000ร water retention in a water-resistant, covalently surface-bonding form โ the catechol groups forming coordinate bonds with skin surface proteins and mineral ions for exceptional moisture film retention that resists perspiration and washing.
Why It's Used: Mussel adhesion chemistry is the strongest known wet-surface adhesion in biology โ mussels attach to rocks underwater using catechol-metal coordinate bonds. applied to ha, this chemistry provides unprecedented moisturiser substantivity on wet skin.
How It Works: 5-hydroxydopamine catechol groups (from the dopa-mimetic 3,4-dihydroxybenzyl structure) form bidentate coordinate bonds with transition metal ions on skin surface proteins (feยณโบ, tiโดโบ) providing adhesion energies 5-10ร stronger than h-bonding. simultaneously, quinone oxidation products form schiff base covalent bonds with lysine residues in skin keratin.
Typically Found In: Premium anti-aging,water-resistant hydration
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: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced.
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
Catechol oxidation monitoring: exposed catechol groups oxidise to quinones in air (progressive browning) โ the ha conjugate stabilisation is critical. antioxidant (ascorbic acid, vitamin e) co-formulation or nitrogen-purged packaging maintains catechol activity.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,n-hyaluronoyl hydroxydopamine mussel mimetic adhesive ha review