The key difference between hyaluronic acid and vitamin C is that hyaluronic acid can leave the skin looking plump and it keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized over time, whereas vitamin C can help to protect the skin from sun damage and fades the discoloration in the skin due to acne.
Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are important types of nutrients that are available mainly as supplements to fulfill the needs of the body.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Hyaluronic Acid
3. What is Vitamin C
4. Hyaluronic Acid vs Vitamin C in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Hyaluronic Acid vs Vitamin C
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a polymeric organic molecule with the chemical formula (C14H21NO11)n. We can categorize it as a glycosaminoglycan compound. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid is a unique organic molecule because it is the only non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan among them. This compound naturally occurs in the human body. It can undergo distribution throughout connective, epithelial, and neural tissues.
When considering hyaluronic acid’s application in the cosmetic industry, it is a common ingredient in many skin care products. Moreover, it is useful as a dermal filler in cosmetic surgeries. Manufacturers produce hyaluronic acid mainly via microbial fermentation processes. This is because of the lower production cost and fewer environmental concerns. The major microorganism used for this production is Streptococcus sp. However, since these microbial species are pathogenic, there is great controversy and concern about this process.
According to some research studies, the injection of hyaluronic acid into osteoarthritic joints can restore the viscoelasticity of the synovial fluid, augment the flow of joint fluid, and normalize endogenous hyaluronate synthesis, etc.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an organic compound having the chemical formula C6H8O6. The molar mass of this compound is 176.12 g/mol. Its melting point and boiling points are 190 °C and 553 °C, respectively. This vitamin occurs in certain food types, and we can use it as a dietary supplement as well. The terms “Ascorbic acid” and “L-Ascorbic acid” are synonyms for this compound though they are slightly different from each other. Moreover, it is an essential nutrient for humans because it can repair tissues in the body and can lead to the enzymatic production of some neurotransmitters. More importantly, it is an antioxidant.
The natural sources of this vitamin are fruits such as citrus fruits, kiwifruit, strawberries, and other food such as broccoli, raw bell pepper, etc. However, longer storage or cooking can destroy vitamin C in food. The deficiency of this vitamin may cause Scurvy disease. This disease occurs when the collagen produced by the body is unable to function properly without vitamin C.
Vitamin C is available in both natural and synthetic forms. We call the purest form of vitamin C the “ascorbic acid.” Most of the time, the purest forms are made in laboratories. The natural forms are in combination with other components. Therefore, we need to refine and process food in order to get the vitamin out of the food.
What is the Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C?
The key difference between hyaluronic acid and vitamin C is that hyaluronic acid can make the skin look plump and keep the skin hydrated and moisturized over time, whereas vitamin C can help to protect the skin from sun damage and fades the discoloration in the skin due to acne.
Below is a summary of the difference between hyaluronic acid and vitamin C in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Hyaluronic Acid vs Vitamin C
Hyaluronic acid is a polymeric organic molecule with the chemical formula (C14H21NO11)n, while vitamin C is an organic compound having the chemical formula C6H8O6. The key difference between hyaluronic acid and vitamin C is that hyaluronic acid can leave the skin looking plump and it keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized over time, whereas vitamin C can work to protect the skin from sun damage and fades the discoloration in the skin due to acne.
Reference:
1. Zelman, Kathleen M. “Vitamin C Benefits, Sources, Supplements, & More.” WebMD.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Hyaluronan” By Vaccinationist – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Vitamin Supplement Pills2” By Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia