Hyaluronic acid (HA) has moisturizing, lubricating, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is widely applied in medicine and cosmetics. When using sodium hyaluronate, one must calculate and control its concentration. This makes it work effectively and safely for different uses. So, how do you calculate the concentration of a HA solution? What affects the concentration? How does the changing concentration affect its uses? This article will inform you on these matters.
How to Calculate Hyaluronic Acid Concentration?
Hyaluronic acid concentration is usually shown as mass-to-volume ratio (mg/mL or % w/v). Here is how to calculate it:
Formula:
Unit Conversion:
- 1% w/v = 10 mg/mL This means 1 gram of hyaluronic acid in 100 mL of solvent.
- To find molar concentration (mol/L), you need to know the average molecular weight of hyaluronic acid, which varies.
What Factors Affect the Concentration of Hyaluronic Acid Solutions?
When sodium hyaluronate solutions are made, certain factors affect the end concentration. The most common ones are:
- Weighing Errors: sodium hyaluronate is prone to absorbing moisture. Use dry powder and accurately weigh it.
- Dissolving Efficiency: Hyaluronic acid dissolves slowly in high concentrations (>2%). Stir well or keep at low temperatures.
- Solvent Volume: When dissolving, make sure the final volume is correct. Use a measuring flask to measure to avoid errors.
- Molecular Weight: High molecular weight sodium hyaluronate increases the thickness of the solution. The calculation of concentration is the same unless you need to have custom flow properties.
Reference:
Solubility of Hyaluronic Acid in Different Solvents and Its Influencing Factors
How Hyaluronic Acid Concentration Affects Its Applications
The concentration of hyaluronic acid changes its physical and biological properties. These include viscosity, flow characteristics, compatibility with the body, moisturizing ability, and tissue repair effects. Higher concentrations make the solution thicker and form better films but reduce how well it can penetrate.
Biological Effects at Different Concentrations:
| Concentration Range | Main Biological Function | Application Areas |
| 0.01~0.1% | Helps skin cells move and heal wounds faster | Wound dressings, regenerative medicine |
| 0.1~1% | Reduces inflammation and scarring | Arthritis injections, post-surgery anti-adhesion |
| >1% | Provides mechanical support and encourages collagen growth | Tissue fillers, cartilage repair |
Choosing the Right Concentration for Different Uses:
| Concentration Range | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
| 0.1%~0.5% | Low viscosity, high penetration | Cosmetics, eye drops |
| 0.5%~1.5% | Medium viscosity, strong moisturizing | Hydration injections, medical dressings, joint lubrication injections |
| 1.5%~2.5% | High viscosity, good film-forming | Filler injections (e.g., nose, lips) |
| >2.5% | Very high viscosity, gel-like | Surgical anti-adhesion agents, 3D bioprinting scaffolds |
| 3%~5% | Extremely high viscosity, gel-like | Making hyaluronic acid gels or films |
Examples:
- Medical Fillers (like nose jobs): Use sodium hyaluronate with 1.5% to 2.5% concentration for good support and lasting effects.
- Joint Injections: Typically use around 1% concentration for both lubrication and reducing inflammation.
- Cosmetic Moisturizers: A low concentration of 0.1% to 0.5% is enough to keep skin hydrated without feeling sticky.
- Industrial Uses: High concentrations, such as 3% to 5%, are used to make hyaluronic acid gels or film materials.
Summary
Different concentrations of hyaluronic acid are used for different purposes. Low concentrations are good for products that need to penetrate, like skincare items. High concentrations are used for fillers or biological materials. Understanding these differences helps scientists, doctors, and formulators use hyaluronic acid more effectively and safely.
Stanford Chemical Company (SCC) is a reliable supplier of sodium hyaluronate powder. We offer high-purity sodium hyaluronate powder that is non-animal-derived and non-GMO. Our products include various grades such as food grade, cosmetic grade, injection grade, medical grade, eye drop grade, and cross-linked gel. Take advantage of our bulk purchase discounts and contract pricing.