← Back to Tools
HA Molecular Weight Penetration
Visualize how Dalton weight affects Hyaluronic Acid's ability to cross the stratum corneum.
kDa
Skin Surface
Stratum Corneum
Epidermis
Physiological Effect
High Molecular Weight (>500 kDa): Too large to penetrate. Forms a viscoelastic, non-occlusive film on the skin surface. Excellent for immediate surface hydration and reducing TEWL, but washes off easily. Can cause pilling.
Medium Molecular Weight (100-500 kDa): Penetrates the upper layers of the stratum corneum. Provides longer-lasting hydration than HMW. Less likely to pill under makeup.
Low/Ultra-Low Molecular Weight (<100 kDa): Deeply penetrates the epidermis. Associated with pro-inflammatory responses in some studies (activating Toll-like receptors). Provides deep hydration but lacks surface film-forming benefits.