Sodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate

17. February 2025

A new type of active ingredient with the INCI name Sodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate is currently causing a lot of discussion in the cosmetics industry. It is HyRetin (Contipro Biotech), an ester of a short-chain hyaluronic acid and retinoic acid. Not only does it achieve particularly strong hydration of the skin, it also improves the elasticity and structure of the skin and stimulates fibronectin and collagen synthesis.

It has long been known that both hyaluronic acid and retinoic acid have numerous positive effects. Now both active ingredients are combined to form Sodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate.

This is why sodium retinoyl hyaluronate is highly effective

Sodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate combines the benefits of two proven active ingredients to deeply penetrate the skin and protect it at the same time.

Hyaluronic acid and retinoids: a powerful duo

Hyaluronic acid with a molecular weight of only 10.0 to 15.0 kDa can penetrate deep into the skin and skin cells. The vitamin A derivatives retinoids, on the other hand, are often used to treat signs of ageing, acne and acne scars. Combining the two creates sodium retinoyl hyaluronate, an active ingredient with a unique mechanism of action.

The anti-inflammatory hydrophobic retinoic acid and the hydrophilic hyaluronic acid together form micelle-like structures and thus ensure improved stability. The high biological concentration of hyaluronic acid, which is achieved even at low concentrations, helps to significantly reduce the risk of skin irritation that can occur in connection with the use of retinoids. In addition, according to Google, retinol and hyaluronic acid have recently become a steadily growing trend.

Studies prove the effectiveness

Anti-inflammatory properties
Of course, sodium retinoyl hyaluronate has already been tested in extensive in-vivo studies. For example, the active ingredient has significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory interleukins induced by UV rays with regard to anti-inflammatory properties. HyRetin is therefore significantly more effective than other retinoids currently on the market.

Anti-ageing effect

And as far as anti-ageing activity in vitro is concerned, HyRetin has the impressive ability to boost the expression of collagen 1 much more effectively than other retinoids on the market. The expression of fibronectin is also clearly enhanced by sodium retinoyl hyaluronate. Another major advantage: HyRetin can penetrate very deeply into the skin. Sodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate in a concentration of between 0.01 and 0.1 per cent is therefore ideal as an effective active ingredient for anti-wrinkle and moisturising products.

Additional effects on skin density, elasticity, wrinkles, hydration and pore size
In an elaborate in-vivo study in which 14 women aged between 37 and 58 took part for six weeks, it was shown that skin density increased by ten per cent. The elasticity of the skin was even improved by 34 per cent and the number of dermal papillae increased by almost 50 per cent. A 36 per cent reduction in wrinkles, a seven per cent increase in hydration and a 43 per cent improvement in skin texture were also observed. Furthermore, after six weeks, the sebum content of the skin was reduced by 36 per cent and the pore size by 25 per cent.

Versatile application possibilities in cosmetics

Whether for day or night care, in serums, masks or lotions, for sebum reduction or for the care of acne skin, sodium retinoyl hyaluronate is an ideal active ingredient for sophisticated and high-quality cosmetics.

Below you will find some specific product ideas from us:

1. Regenerating night serum with long-term effect

Formulation:

HyRetin (0.5-1%) for wrinkle reduction & cell renewal

Ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) to reduce pigment spots & sooth

Squalane for supple, non-greasy moisture

Benefits:

Promotes cell renewal overnight
Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Improves skin texture without severe irritation

2. Anti-aging moisturizer for sensitive skin

Formulation:

Sodiumretinoylhyaluronate (0.3%) for gentle anti-aging

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) for skin soothing

Centella Asiatica Extract for wound healing & collagen boosting

Jojoba oil & Shea butter for non-clogging suppleness

Benefits:

Perfect for retinoid-beginners & sensitive skin
Moisturizing & repairing
Reduces redness and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier

3. Brightening eye cream for wrinkles and dark circles

Formulation:

Sodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate (0.2%) to smooth the eye area

Caffeine to reduce swelling

Vitamin C (stable form such as Ascorbyl Glucoside) to lighten dark circles

Hyaluronic acid & peptides to moisturize

Benefits:

Targeted action against crow’s feet and dark circles
No strong peeling – gentle on the thin skin around the eyes
Ideal for a fresh, alert radiance

4. Lifting & Skin-renewing Face Mask

Formulation:

Sodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate (0.8%) to promote collagen formation

Kaolin or pink clay for deep cleansing

Aloe vera & allantoin to soothe the skin

Glycolic acid (AHA, 3%) for gentle exfoliation & skin renewal

Benefits:

Combination of anti-aging & detox effect
Immediate lifting effect for radiant skin
Promotes cell renewal & gently cleanses

5. Revitalizing lip balm against lip wrinkles

Formulation:

Sodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate (0.1%) to reduce lip wrinkles

Hyaluronic acid for intensive moisture

Vitamin E & Coenzyme Q10 as antioxidants

Cocoa butter & jojoba oil for supple lips

Benefits:

Provides smooth, full lips
Reduces fine lines & wrinkles caused by dryness
Perfect base for lipstick

PROFILE of HyRetin

INCI: Sodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate

German name: Natrium-retinoyl-hyaluronat

Definition: Ester of low-molecular hyaluronic acid and retinoic acid

Description: a fine, yellow powder

Solubility: soluble in water

Recommended concentration: 0.01 per cent

Effect: anti-acne, anti-ageing