US Panel Takes a First Look at Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety posted a Draft Report on 11 September 2026 covering six crosslinked hyaluronate ingredients, led by sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerSodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerEmergingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer · Crosslinked hyaluronate polymerCrosslinked sodium hyaluronate used as a humectant and skin conditioner; a US safety panel is reviewing it for the first time alongside five related crosspolymers.Open in the Index →. It is the first time the Panel is reviewing this family; a scientific literature review went out in March.[1]

What changed

Staff folded in industry concentration-of-use surveys and a human patch-test summary on a serum with 0.948% Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer. Use levels were reported for that lead ingredient — up to about 0.95% in foundations and leave-on face and neck products — but not for the other five crosspolymers in the Council survey.[1]

Linear hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate were previously judged safe in present practices of use. That older conclusion does not automatically cover these crosslinked grades, because residual monomers and crosslinkers can behave differently from the finished polymer.[1]

Why it matters

Crosslinked HA shows up in moisturisers, serums, and makeup as a humectant and skin conditioner. The draft still ends with “conclusion to be determined.” The Panel meets 5–6 October 2026 and can issue a tentative report or ask for more data.[1]

Sources

1. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Draft Report: Safety Assessment of Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymers as Used in Cosmetics (release 11 Sep 2026). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Sodium%20Hyaluronate%20Crosspolymer.pdf