Hydration without the irritation
Hyaluronic acid (HA) has long been the hydration workhorse in skincare, but it’s time to rethink that narrative.
For sensitive skin, HA comes with formulation challenges and HRIPT testing hurdles.
That’s why innovative brands are switching to our ingredient, Activated Silk™ Hydrogels.
It’s a powerful alternative with clinically proven 24-hour hydration, and a game-changing sensorial profile your customers will notice.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) has long been the hydration workhorse in skincare, but it’s time to rethink that narrative. For sensitive skin, HA comes with formulation challenges and HRIPT testing hurdles. That’s why innovative brands are switching to our ingredient, Activated Silk™ Hydrogels. It’s a powerful alternative with clinically proven 24-hour hydration, and a game-changing sensorial profile your customers will notice.
What makes Activated Silk™ Hydrogels different?
- Clinically proven 24-hour hydration
- Benchmarked against HA, and winning at lower doses
- No stickiness or tackiness
- Doesn’t pull water from skin in dry environments
- Binds to keratin, so it can be applied in rinse-away formulas
- Added bonus of replacing emulsifiers & rheology modifiers to shorten ingredient lists
HA: The Hidden Challenges
Despite its reputation, hyaluronic acid presents a number of issues that formulators and consumers are increasingly aware of. HA is known to cause irritation, particularly in sensitive skin types, and often struggles to pass HRIPT testing, posing a challenge for brands pursuing dermatologist-tested or hypoallergenic claims.
Its mechanism of action, which pulls water from the environment, can backfire in dry climates by drawing moisture out of the skin instead. From a formulation standpoint, HA is finicky: its performance can degrade in low or high pH formulas, it may require stabilizers or emulsifiers, and it often brings a sticky texture that compromises sensoriality.
Smarter Science, Superior Hydration
Clinically proven to deliver 24-hour hydration with minimal risk of irritation, Activated Silk™ Hydrogels are a powerful tool for high-performance skincare.
When used for hydration, they offer more than just moisture — they also replace traditional emulsifiers and viscosity modifiers, making formulations simpler and more efficient.
Unlike HA, Activated Silk™ Hydrogels don’t wash away, locking in long-lasting moisture even after rinsing. Their natural dual affinity for both water and oil makes them ideal emulsifiers in cleansers, creams, and more.
And because of their strong water-binding power, you can use less Hydrogel to replace more HA, without compromising performance.
Ready to future-proof your formulas?
When used to achieve clinical hydration, Activated Silk™ Hydrogels also deliver the added benefit of functioning as an advanced emulsifier that’s safe for sensitive skin. You can enhance and simplify your formulas at the same time with this multifunctional ingredient.
Contact us to find out more or request a sample.
