The Science

The Science — Velvetics
Velvetics — Hydra Depth Serum

Hydration that works
beneath the surface

Most serums moisturize. Hydra Depth Serum hydrates — at every layer of your skin, simultaneously.

Your skin holds up to 10,000mg of hyaluronic acid naturally — but daily exposure to UV, stress, and environmental aggressors depletes it faster than your body can replenish it. The result isn't just dryness. It's a gradual collapse of the structural scaffolding that keeps skin plump, smooth, and resilient.

The Problem with Single-HA Serums

One molecule can only
reach one depth

Hyaluronic acid molecules come in different sizes. Large molecules cannot pass through the skin barrier. Small molecules penetrate deeply but don't hydrate the surface. Most serums use only one form — which means they're only solving part of the problem.

Skin Surface
High MW HA
Stratum Corneum
Crosspolymer
Epidermis
Na Hyaluronate
Dermis
Hydrolyzed HA
The Four-Form Complex

Each molecule was chosen
for a specific depth

01

High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid

~1,000–1,800 kDa · Surface Layer

The largest HA molecule forms an invisible, breathable film on the skin's surface. It binds atmospheric moisture and locks existing hydration in — reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and creating the immediate plumping and softness felt from first application.

Immediate surface hydration + plumping

Ref. 1, 2

02

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Cross-linked · Stratum Corneum

A crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid designed for extended residence time on the skin. Unlike standard HA which disperses quickly, crosspolymer creates a hydration reservoir within the outer skin layers — releasing moisture gradually over time and maintaining softness throughout the day.

Extended-release hydration reservoir

Ref. 3

03

Sodium Hyaluronate

~10–300 kDa · Epidermis

The salt form of hyaluronic acid is smaller, more stable, and more bioavailable than standard HA. It penetrates through the stratum corneum into the viable epidermis — attracting and binding up to 1,000 times its weight in water at a cellular level, plumping the skin from within.

Epidermal water-binding + plumping

Ref. 1, 4

04

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

<10 kDa · Deep Dermis

The smallest HA fragment achieves the deepest penetration — reaching the dermis where collagen and elastin live. At this depth, hydrolyzed HA stimulates fibroblast activity and encourages the skin's natural production of new hyaluronic acid, creating long-term structural improvement over time.

Deep dermal hydration + HA synthesis

Ref. 5, 6

Clinical Evidence

What peer-reviewed research shows

96% of skin cells are water — HA is the primary molecule that holds it there
1,000× its weight in water that a single hyaluronic acid molecule can bind
50% of the body's total hyaluronic acid is found in the skin — replenishment is critical
I

Molecular weight determines penetration depth

Research using Raman spectroscopy confirmed that low-molecular-weight HA (<50 kDa) penetrates significantly deeper into the skin than high-molecular-weight HA, which remains at the surface. This validated the multi-weight approach as clinically superior to single-form serums.

Essendoubi et al., Skin Research and Technology, 2016 — Ref. 2
II

Topical HA improves skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness

A 2022 literature review found consistent evidence that topical hyaluronic acid formulations significantly improve skin hydration parameters, reduce wrinkle depth, and increase skin elasticity — with low-molecular-weight forms showing superior results for anti-aging markers.

Bravo et al., Dermatologic Therapy, 2022 — Ref. 4
III

Multi-weight formulations outperform single-weight serums

A clinical study comparing cream formulations of different HA molecular weights found that combining multiple molecular weights produced significantly better anti-wrinkle outcomes than single-weight formulations — addressing both surface and deeper skin layers simultaneously.

Pavicic et al., Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011 — Ref. 3
IV

Nano-HA stimulates endogenous hyaluronic acid production

Nano-sized hyaluronic acid (<10 kDa) applied topically was shown to penetrate into the dermis and stimulate fibroblasts to increase natural HA synthesis — meaning continued use supports the skin's own capacity to stay hydrated, not just temporary surface-level moisture.

Jegasothy et al., Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2014 — Ref. 6
What's Not In It

Formulated without anything your skin doesn't need

Fragrance-Free Alcohol-Free Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free No Artificial Dyes Non-Comedogenic No Synthetic Silicones Suitable for All Skin Types

References

01

Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923

02

Essendoubi M, Gobinet C, Reynaud R, et al. (2016). Human skin penetration of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights as probed by Raman spectroscopy. Skin Research and Technology, 22(1), 55–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.12228

03

Pavicic T, Gauglitz GG, Lersch P, et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000.

04

Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant'Anna B, Kerob D. (2022). Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From the literature to clinical practice. Dermatologic Therapy, 35(12), e15903. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.15903

05

Necas J, Bartosikova L, Brauner P, Kolar J. (2008). Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan): a review. Veterinarni Medicina, 53(8), 397–411.

06

Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S. (2014). Efficacy of a new topical nano-hyaluronic acid in humans. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 7(3), 27–29.

Hydra Depth Serum

Four forms.
Every layer.
Real results.

Shop the Serum