Hyaluronic Acid is well known for its excellent moisturizing, repairing, and lubricating properties as a naturally occurring polysaccharide in the human body. Because of these features, hyaluronic acid has wide applications in the medical, cosmetic, and health fields. In particular, its lubricating effects are highly important in many areas, such as joint health, ophthalmic surgery, skincare, etc. This article will introduce the mechanism and extensive applications of the lubrication effect of hyaluronic acid.
Smoothing Effects of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is characterized by a special molecular structure, giving an excellent performance in lubrication. Its molecular chains have a strong ability to absorb and store massive water, and its solution shows high viscosity. Its solution will show good elasticity and good rheological properties under the action of pressure, thus lowering friction. The lubricating effects of hyaluronic acid are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
- Viscoelasticity: The HA solutions can deform and recover under stress, possessing a degree of elasticity and resilience; thus, they serve as a lubricant and shock absorber in biological tissues.
- Water retention: Due to this property, HA is able to absorb water and form a highly viscous gel. Since there are two friction surfaces, this protects against friction damage by forming a layer between them.
- Biocompatibility: Since it is a naturally occurring substance inside the human body, HA displays excellent biocompatibility and hence does not provoke any type of rejection reaction; therefore, it does not pose any risk for medicinal and cosmetic applications.
Applications Based on the Lubricating Effects of Hyaluronic Acid
1. Joint Health
Hydrating acid is extremely popular in the field of joint health. Due to its excellent viscoelasticity, HA is utilized to treat osteoarthritis. Doctors generally inject HA into joints with the aim of raising the viscosity of joint fluid, hence improving joint lubrication and reducing pain and discomfort brought about by friction. The lubricating effect of HA helps alleviate inflammation of the joints and promotes joint flexibility and health.
Read more: Hyaluronic Acid VS. Glucosamine VS. Chondroitin: Which Is Best for Joints?
2. Ophthalmic Surgery
In ophthalmic surgery, HA is used as a viscoelastic agent in cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, and many other surgical procedures. During the operation, HA may work as a lubricant between the eye and the tool used, thus reducing friction and preventing further damage to the tissues of the eye. Due to its high viscosity and rheological properties, HA stabilizes the intraocular environment and offers protection for ocular tissues from any surgical injury.
Read more: Sodium Hyaluronate Used in Anterior Segment Eye Surgery
3. Skincare
Similarly, in skin care, the lubrication action of HA is equally important. HA molecules can form a shielding layer on the skin surface to reduce friction between the skin and the external environment. This is most applicable in anti-aging and repair products where the moisturizing and lubricating action of HA diminishes wrinkles and fine lines, while elasticity and smoothness are restored. It has also been used for repairing sunburn and other skin injuries.
Read more: Comprehensive Summary: The Application of Hyaluronic Acid in Beauty
4. Wound Care
HA plays a vital role in the treatment of wounds due to its lubricating effect. Added to dressings, HA may create a moist environment; friction damage between new tissues with the dressing will be reduced, thus accelerating the process of wound healing. Besides, HA prevents infections and promotes tissue regeneration, and for that reason is widely used in the treatment of burns and surgical wounds.
Read more: Medical Grade Hyaluronic Acid and Wound Healing
Stanford Chemical Company (SCC) is the leading wholesale supplier of pure organic hyaluronic acid in the United States. Our products include high, medium and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid powders. Of course, we also support custom molecular weights. If you are interested, welcome to get a quote.
| Main Product | Item No. | Specification |
| Cosmetic Grade Hyaluronic Acid | HAC-Micro-SC | M.W: <5 K Da Ultra Low Molecular Weight |
| HAC-Oligo-SC | M.W: 5-10 K Da Low Molecular Weight | |
| HAC-N-SC | M.W: 200-600 K Da | |
| HAC-L-SC | M.W: 100-1,000 K Da(800 KDa) | |
| HAC-M-SC | M.W: 800-1,600 K Da Middle Molecular Weight | |
| HAC-H-SC | M.W: >1,800 K Da High Molecular Weight | |
| HAC-C-SC | Customized Molecular weight | |
| Food Grade Hyaluronic Acid | HAF-Micro-SC | M.W: <5 K Da Ultra Low Molecular Weight |
| HAF-Oligo-SC | M.W: 5-10 K Da Low Molecular Weight | |
| HAF-N-SC | M.W: 200-600 K Da | |
| HAF-L-SC | M.W: 100-1,000 K Da(800 KDa) | |
| HAF-M-SC | M.W: 800-1,600 K Da Middle Molecular Weight | |
| HAF-H-SC | M.W: >1,800 K Da High Molecular Weight | |
| HAF-C-SC | Customized Molecular weight | |
| Injection Grade Hyaluronic Acid | HA-EP1.8-SC | M.W: 800K-1,300K Da, I.V.: 1.44-2.12 m3/kg |
| HA-EP2.4-SC | M.W: 1,300K-1,800K Da; I.V: 2.12-2.72 m3/kg | |
| HA-EP3.0-SC | M.W:1,800K-2,500K Da; I.V.: 2.72-3.53 m3/kg | |
| HA-EPC-SC | Customized Molecular weight | |
| Medical Grade Hyaluronic Acid | HA-EM2.0-SC | M.W: 800K-1,300K Da, I.V.: 1.44-2.12 m3/kg |