Hyaluronic acid

Classification

Glycosaminoglycan (not a peptide)

Approval status

Cosmetic

Research status

Investigational / reference listing.

Molecular formula

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Molecular weight

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Sequence

Repeating glucuronic acid / N-acetylglucosamine polymer.

Primary biological target

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Half-life

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Routes investigated

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Human evidence level

C — Limited or early human evidence

A standard humectant in skincare and a component of licensed dermal fillers. Research ‘HA vials’ for injection are not fillers and are not sold.

Water binding in the stratum corneum (topical) or space-filling (licensed fillers).

Topical cosmetics vs clinic fillers are different products.

• Cosmetic hydration
• Licensed filler devices

Investigational findings are not proven clinical benefits unless an authority has labelled that indication.

Overall human evidence grade: C · Limited or early human evidence

Fillers are regulated devices; topical HA is cosmetic.

Animal, cell and in-vitro findings are listed separately from human effects.

ECM biology.

This section does not provide personalised medical dosing. Values are those reported in papers or protocols. Animal mg/kg doses are not converted to human doses.

Doses reported in human studies

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Preclinical / animal study dosing

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Reliable human pharmacokinetic data were not identified for this encyclopaedia entry, or are limited to product information for approved presentations.

Vascular occlusion is a filler emergency — another reason not to buy random HA vials.

Unknowns. Absence of a published harm signal is not evidence of safety.

Contraindications. Do not inject unlicensed HA.

Cosmetic ingredient or medical device depending on presentation.

Cellular Sequence does not sell this as a vial, tablet, oil, or injectable. Educational encyclopaedia listing only.

1. [1] Encyclopaedia note

   Encyclopaedia note