Chemical properties

Zinc hyaluronate (INCI: Zinc Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate) is significantly less known to the general public than common sodium hyaluronate, although it represents a logical evolution of functional hyaluronic acid (HA) salts. It is used less frequently in cosmetics and medical gels. Still, it is precisely the combination of the HA polymer base and the biological activity of zinc ions that makes this ingredient compelling for skin restoration and treatment tasks.

Chemically, zinc hyaluronate is a salt of hyaluronic acid where divalent Zn²⁺ ions replace part or all of the Na⁺ ions. The hyaluronan polymer chain retains its basic structure and hydrophilic properties, but the interaction of Zn²⁺ with carboxyl groups changes the molecule's conformation. The divalent cation can coordinate multiple units, leading to a "compression" of the chain and a reduction in its hydrodynamic volume. In practice, this manifests as lower viscosity of Zn-HA solutions than equivalent sodium hyaluronate solutions and a risk of interchain association at higher ion concentrations.

These physicochemical features have direct technological consequences: when formulating gels and emulsions with Zn‑HA, it is essential to consider the altered rheology and potential tendency to associate, selecting an appropriate matrix and application mode to maintain ease of use and product stability. Simultaneously, the hyaluronan matrix structure continues to retain water and serves as a scaffold for cell migration, while the presence of Zn²⁺ confers additional biological effects, as discussed below.

Biological activity and mechanisms of action

Zinc is a universal cofactor for numerous enzymes and transcription factors; in the skin, it participates in repair processes, extracellular matrix remodeling, and the control of inflammation. In the hyaluronate salt, Zn²⁺ ions are released gradually, providing a more controlled effect compared to simple salt addition. Experimental data and preclinical observations indicate that Zn-HA can reduce levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, modulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, and suppress the growth of certain skin microorganisms, which is relevant to inflammatory and infected superficial processes. Meanwhile, the classic HA hydration is preserved: the matrix retains water and simultaneously serves as a temporary scaffold for epithelial cell migration.

In cosmetic products, Zn‑HA is typically used in low concentrations (around 0.1–0.5%) as a functional additive: it helps reduce inflammation, normalize sebum secretion, and strengthen the barrier function. In medical gels, polymer concentrations are significantly higher, and hyaluronate serves not only as a humectant but also as a structural matrix supporting healing processes. This "rethinking" of HA's role — from cosmetic hydration to active regeneration support — makes Zn‑HA an interesting ingredient at the intersection of cosmetics and medical devices.

From properties to practice: why this matters for burn treatment

Given the described physicochemical and biological characteristics, it is logical to expect zinc hyaluronate to be beneficial not only in cosmetic formulas but also in clinical wound gels. Polymer chain compression and altered rheology affect the gel's behavior on the wound surface. At the same time, the gradual release of Zn²⁺ provides local biological activity — modulating inflammation, influencing MMPs, and exerting an antimicrobial effect — while maintaining HA's basic ability to retain moisture and serve as a scaffold for cell migration. All this makes Zn‑HA an attractive candidate for treating superficial wounds where it is crucial to accelerate reepithelialization, reduce the risk of infection, and minimize discomfort during dressing changes.

Therefore, clinical evaluation of such systems is a natural next step. One such observational study was conducted by Lőrincz et al., who retrospectively analyzed the use of a zinc hyaluronate-based gel in children with superficial partial-thickness facial burns to describe healing speed, complication rates, and hospitalization burden [1].

Clinical observation: what the study authors showed

Lőrincz et al. retrospectively studied 23 children with superficial partial-thickness facial burns (II/1 degree) treated with a gel containing zinc hyaluronate (Curiosa® gel) at the University of Pécs (Hungary) between 2016 and 2021. Inclusion criteria were children who received only this gel within the first 72 hours post-injury and attended all follow-up examinations. The clinical protocol involved wound cleaning, bullectomy/debridement if necessary, and application of the gel 3–5 times daily until complete reepithelialization [1].

Main clinical results and safety

The sample included 23 children with a mean age of 6.2 years; 30.4% of patients were younger than 1 year. The mean affected facial area was 3% of the Total Body Surface Area (TBSA).

The mean Total Time to Reepithelialization (TTRE) was 7.9 days (Standard Deviation, SD 2.3; range 5–15 days); more than half of the patients completed healing within 5–7 days. Most children were treated as outpatients, and the mean Length of Hospital Stay (LOS) for the entire group was 2.0 days.

The study found no wound infections in cultures; two children experienced fever interpreted as non-infectious Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). No significant hypertrophic scarring was recorded during the analysis period.

Limitations and Critical Assessment of Evidence

The authors point out objective limitations of the work: a retrospective design, the absence of a randomized control group, a small sample size, and the point-in-time nature of some observations limit the statistical power of the conclusions. Furthermore, data on pain, treatment costs, and long-term aesthetic scar assessment were not collected in a standardized manner. These factors mean that current results are more like encouraging clinical observations than definitive proof of method superiority. To confirm its status as a "gold standard," large-scale Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) with a significant number of patients and long-term follow-up are required.

Practical aspects of zinc hyaluronate application

In practice, zinc hyaluronate can be considered an important tool in two directions.

• In cosmetics, it is justified in products for inflammation-prone and problem skin due to the combined action of HA and Zn²⁺.
• In wound therapy, particularly for superficial partial-thickness facial burns in children, the described protocol for Zn‑HA gel application demonstrates rapid healing, a low incidence of infectious complications, and a reduced need for hospitalization and anesthesia during dressing changes.

When planning the formula and application mode, the altered rheology of Zn‑HA (lower viscosity, risk of interchain association at high concentrations) must be considered, and the base gel matrix must be selected accordingly.

Zinc hyaluronate is a functionally flexible ingredient that combines the moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid with the regulatory biological activity of zinc. Clinical observation in children with facial burns shows promise for using Zn-HA gels to accelerate reepithelialization and reduce complications. However, large randomized studies with long-term follow-up of scar quality are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety in pediatric practice.

Reference:

Lőrincz A., Lamberti A.G., Juhász Z. et al. Management of pediatric facial burns with zinc‑hyaluronan gel. Children 2022; 9: 976.