THUNDER BAY – I have been asked this question a few times about my new Hydrating line from DermaE that uses Hyaluronic Acid.
“How Can Hyaluronic Acid be vegan? I know it comes from roosters. How did this company get certified vegan with using HA?”
Hyaluronic acid is derived from 2 different sources: yes rooster cones (their little red mohawks) and from fermented grass yeast. But why would it even bother coming from animal byproduct if you can get it from fermented grass yeast?
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid, which is also known as hyaluronan or (HA), is a naturally occurring chemical that the body produces to help cushion connective tissue and joints. HA is distributed widely throughout connective, neural, and epithelial tissue. It is of the chief components of the extra-cellular matrix (the tissue that provides structural support to cells). In short, hyaluronic acid supports many important areas of the body, with notable benefit to joints and skin. Although the natural production of hyaluronan is often quite abundant, those who experience temporomandibular joint disorder, mitral valve prolapse, detached retinas, or wrinkled skin may find that they lack this chemical.
Why is HA used in skin cared products?
Hyaluronic acid products act like a “moisture magnet” and are perfect for rehydrating dry, thirsty, aging skin. Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water and has the amazing ability to attract and bind water molecules, keeping collagen hydrated and healthy and plumping, softening and smoothing skin. With age, the body’s ability to produce its own Hyaluronic Acid diminishes and topical application helps replenish the skin.
Additionally, dry, dehydrated skin has the tendency to accentuate fine lines and wrinkles making the skin look old before its time. Our exclusive Hyaluronic Acid products blend this remarkable moisture binding agent with skin vitamins and botanicals to deliver and restore maximum hydration while helping reduce the visible signs of aging for a healthy youthful glow.
HA Sources
Animal: Many turn to alternative hyaluronic acid sources, and some of the best can be found in certain types of food. The skin, bones, and connective tissue of animals, especially chickens, are good sources of this chemical, and may be made into a broth for easy consumption.
This is why rooster cone is used to derive HA from: it is a large piece 
of connective tissue(thicker than skin) and it is a disposable item after the slaughter otherwise known as a byproduct.
Unfortunately factory farming for specific parts have made it so the cone is grown too large hurting the animal. There are still ethically farmers that sell off the cones just as a byproduct.
Vegetable: 
Lots of vegetables have some hyaluronic acid, but you should try to eat the ones that have the highest levels of it. Starchy roots and tubers like potatoes and sweet potatoesare some of the very best vegetable sources of hyaluronic acid. Sweet potatoes have the additional advantage of having high levels of magnesium. The mineral magnesium is essential for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the body. Many people struggle to get adequate amounts of magnesium in their diet; this is largely because the typical Western diet has low levels of magnesium.
If you prefer fruits over vegetables, you’ll be glad to know that while there are few hyaluronic acid rich fruits, there are many vitamin C rich fruits that will help to boost your body’s production of hyaluronic acid. Bannanas are the only fruit to actually produce HA: Oranges, guavas, and grapefruit are great examples high in vitamin C.
HA used in the DermaE products is made by a vegan-suitable fermentation process rather than the common rooster comb or other animal sources. The bacteria used for the fermentation is non-GMO and non-hemolytic. Fermentation takes place in a plant-based growth medium without any animal products or byproducts. Sustainable, 100% Vegan and Vegetarian.
