Physicochemical Properties of Injectable Hyaluronic Acid: Skin Quality Boosters

In addition to clinical research on the efficacy and compatibility of injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) based fillers, ample in vitro research on the physicochemical properties of these materials is published. Different HA‐based product ranges are also available as skin quality boosters (SQBs) to improve skin quality. The aim of this study is to investigate the physicochemical properties of specific HAs for improving skin quality, as, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no data is published on this topic to date. This paper may provide a better understanding of clinical performance and differentiation between these SQBs. Five HA injectable hydrogels (Belotero Revive, Juvederm Volite, Restylane Skinbooster Vital, Viscoderm Hydrobooster, and Profilho) from the SQB product ranges of different companies and manufacturing technologies are investigated for their extrusion force, swelling degree, rheological performance, and cohesivity. There are significant differences in extrusion force, swelling degree, rheological performance, and cohesivity between the assessed SQBs. HA concentration (mg mL−1) exhibits statistically significant positive correlations with extrusion force, swelling degree, tan delta, and cohesivity. This study provides a physicochemical characterization of different SQBs and information to improve understanding of this type of product. Skin quality boosters (SQBs) are clinically used to improve overall skin quality in dermatology and plastic surgery. This study provides a physicochemical characterization of common SQBs regarding extrusion force, swelling degree, rheology, and cohesivity. This characterization improves differentiation in everyday clinical practice and to inject them in an even more individualized and safe manner.