Hyaluronic Acid (CAS 9004-61-9) — Citrus Fragrance Ingredient
Hyaluronic Acid
CAS 9004-61-9
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in human skin, joints, and connective tissues. It’s commonly used in skincare products for its moisture-binding properties. While odorless in fragrance applications, it’s valued as a non-irritating humectant that can improve product texture and skin feel.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Hyaluronic Acid Smell Like?
Hyaluronic acid is completely odorless, making it unique among fragrance ingredients. While it doesn’t contribute aromatic qualities, its exceptional water-binding capacity (holding up to 1000 times its weight in water) makes it valuable for modifying product texture and enhancing the longevity of other fragrance components through improved substrate adhesion.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a textural enhancer in the base, creating a smooth, skin-adherent quality that prolongs the amberwood and saffron accord.
Incorporated for its skin-compatibility in this personal scent, helping the musk and iris notes meld seamlessly with the wearer’s chemistry.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan composed of repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Its massive molecular weight (often 600-2000 kDa in nature) gives it unique rheological properties. Commercial production typically involves bacterial fermentation (Streptococcus zooepidemicus) or extraction from rooster combs. The polymer’s extensive hydrogen bonding network creates its remarkable water retention capacity, with each molecule forming a hydration sphere around its numerous hydroxyl and carboxyl groups.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 776.6 g/mol |
|---|---|
| XLogP | -7.4 |
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 400 Ų |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Texture enhancement |
| Body Lotions | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Humectant properties |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use low-salt grades to prevent viscosity fluctuations in ethanol-based fragrances.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More water-soluble salt form with similar humectant properties but different rheological behavior.
Classic humectant without the film-forming properties of hyaluronic acid.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA – classified as safe for all cosmetic applications.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safety for topical use at cosmetic concentrations.
Sustainability
Fermentation-derived hyaluronic acid offers sustainable production with reduced animal sourcing concerns. Modern biotechnology allows precise control over molecular weight distributions, minimizing waste. Biodegradable and non-bioaccumulative, though energy-intensive purification processes remain an environmental consideration.
Explore Hyaluronic Acid
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary for Hyaluronic Acid CID 24759
- Fakhari A, Berkland C. (2013). Applications and emerging trends of hyaluronic acid in tissue engineering. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. PMID 23313844
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
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