Sodium hyaluronate is safe for skin care at concentrations up to 2%. Testing across multiple animal studies found no toxicity, allergic reactions, reproductive harm, or cancer risk. It does penetrate into deeper skin layers, but decades of widespread clinical use (especially injections) show no significant safety concerns.

This was a comprehensive safety review that analyzed acute toxicity studies across multiple animal species, along with data on immunogenicity, sensitization, reproductive effects, and genotoxicity. The authors also examined real-world clinical safety records from hyaluronic acid's widespread use in cosmetics and medical treatments.

Funding not disclosed in abstract