ALASTIN HA Immerse Explained: Octapeptide-45 and Hyaluronic Acid

By Skin by Science · · 10 min read
ALASTIN HA IMMERSE article cover with a clear droplet on lavender glass and text highlighting Octapeptide-45 and hyaluronic acid.

ALASTIN HA IMMERSE Serum takes a multi-level approach to hydration: it supplies moisture-binding hyaluronic acid at the skin’s surface while proprietary Octapeptide-45 supports the skin’s natural production of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid.

This distinguishes HA IMMERSE from conventional hyaluronic acid serums that focus primarily on topical hydration. Its formulation also includes Hexapeptide-11 to help preserve naturally occurring hyaluronic acid, crosslinked sodium hyaluronate for enhanced water retention and a supporting complex of hydration-focused ingredients.

This guide explores the technology behind ALASTIN HA IMMERSE Serum, what Octapeptide-45 does, the different forms of hydration within the formula and how the serum fits into an advanced medical-grade skincare routine.

At a glance: HA IMMERSE combines immediate surface hydration with peptide technology that supports the skin’s own hyaluronic acid production and preservation. The result is a comprehensive approach to dehydration, visible plumpness, radiance and fine lines.

What Is ALASTIN HA IMMERSE Serum?

ALASTIN HA IMMERSE is a lightweight, non-tacky hyaluronic acid and peptide serum developed for dehydrated, dry, dull or visibly ageing skin.

The formula is designed to deliver two complementary forms of support:

  • Immediate hydration from topical moisture-binding ingredients that help skin appear smoother and more supple.
  • Progressive hydration support through proprietary peptide technology that helps the skin increase and preserve its naturally occurring hyaluronic acid.

This combination makes HA IMMERSE more than a basic humectant serum. Its formulation addresses the appearance and feel of dehydrated skin while supporting processes associated with longer-lasting moisture, visible plumpness and improved skin quality.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid, commonly shortened to HA, is a glycosaminoglycan found naturally throughout the body, including within the skin’s extracellular matrix. It has a remarkable ability to bind water and contributes to hydration, cushioning, suppleness and visible volume.

Within topical skincare, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives attract and retain moisture. This can help improve:

  • Surface smoothness.
  • Skin comfort and suppleness.
  • The appearance of dehydration-related fine lines.
  • Visible plumpness.
  • Radiance and light reflection from the skin’s surface.

Hyaluronic acid is not an exfoliating acid. Despite its name, it performs a hydration role rather than functioning like glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid.

Why the Skin’s Own Hyaluronic Acid Matters

The skin naturally produces hyaluronic acid, but its quantity, distribution and rate of degradation can change with age and environmental exposure. Reduced water retention can contribute to skin that appears less supple, more finely lined and less radiant.

A sophisticated hydration strategy can therefore do more than place one form of HA on the skin. It can combine:

  1. Topical hyaluronic acid for immediate moisture binding.
  2. Technology that supports natural HA production.
  3. Ingredients that help protect existing HA against degradation.
  4. Supporting humectants that reinforce the skin’s moisture balance.

HA IMMERSE incorporates all four approaches within one serum.

What Is Octapeptide-45?

Octapeptide-45 is ALASTIN’s proprietary peptide technology developed to support the skin’s natural production of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid.

Peptides are short, precisely structured chains of amino acids. Their functions depend on their individual sequences, meaning Octapeptide-45 has a specific purpose within the HA IMMERSE formulation rather than representing a generic peptide addition.

ALASTIN uses Octapeptide-45 to help amplify the skin’s own high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid production. This supports long-term hydration and contributes to a smoother, fuller and more youthful-looking complexion.

High-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Explained

Hyaluronic acid exists in different molecular forms. High-molecular-weight HA is strongly associated with water retention and the maintenance of a hydrated extracellular environment.

In HA IMMERSE, Octapeptide-45 is included to support the skin’s natural production of this high-molecular-weight HA. This biological support works alongside the topical forms of hyaluronic acid applied through the serum.

The distinction is important:

  • Topical HA provides direct moisture-binding support at and near the skin’s surface.
  • Octapeptide-45 supports the skin’s own high-molecular-weight HA production.

Bringing these functions together is the defining technological rationale behind HA IMMERSE.

How HA IMMERSE Supports Hyaluronic Acid Preservation

Producing hyaluronic acid is only one part of the hydration process. Naturally occurring enzymes can break HA down over time, so preservation is also relevant.

HA IMMERSE contains Hexapeptide-11, which helps inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in hyaluronic acid degradation. Its role complements Octapeptide-45:

  • Octapeptide-45 supports natural high-molecular-weight HA production.
  • Hexapeptide-11 helps preserve the HA already present within the skin.

This production-and-preservation approach helps explain how HA IMMERSE is designed to produce both immediate and progressive hydration benefits.

The Hydration Technologies Inside HA IMMERSE

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate is a water-binding form of hyaluronic acid widely used to improve skin hydration, smoothness and suppleness.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

This crosslinked HA creates a moisture-retaining network at the skin’s surface. ALASTIN describes it as having substantially greater water-binding capability than conventional hyaluronic acid, helping maintain excellent surface moisturisation.

Octapeptide-45

ALASTIN’s proprietary peptide supports the skin’s natural production of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid for long-term hydration and visible plumping.

Hexapeptide-11

This peptide helps defend the skin’s existing hyaluronic acid by supporting the control of enzymes associated with HA degradation.

Silver Mushroom Extract

Tremella fuciformis, also known as silver mushroom, is a moisture-binding botanical extract that provides additional hydration support.

Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol and Xylitol

These three naturally derived sugar compounds form a hydration complex that supports the skin’s moisture balance and its own hyaluronic acid processes.

Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone

This multifunctional ingredient supports intrinsic hyaluronic acid activity while contributing antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.

Immediate and Progressive Benefits

HA IMMERSE is designed to produce an immediate improvement in how the skin feels while delivering increasingly visible benefits through continued use.

Immediate Benefits

  • A rapid increase in surface hydration.
  • Softer and smoother-feeling skin.
  • Improved suppleness.
  • A fresher, more radiant appearance.
  • Reduced visibility of fine dehydration lines.

Progressive Benefits

  • Support for naturally produced high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid.
  • Improved moisture preservation.
  • Longer-lasting visible plumpness.
  • Improvement in overall skin appearance.
  • A smoother and more refined-looking surface.

Clinical Results for HA IMMERSE

ALASTIN has evaluated HA IMMERSE using participant assessments and clinical imaging. Reported results include:

  • 98% of study participants agreed that their skin felt smooth immediately after applying HA IMMERSE.
  • 91% agreed that the serum replenished moisture in their skin after four weeks.
  • 91% agreed that HA IMMERSE improved the overall appearance of their skin after four weeks.

Clinical evaluation has also documented improvements in the appearance of skin texture, radiance and redness during continued use. The formulation is designed to provide visible benefits immediately while allowing its peptide-supported hydration strategy to build over time.

“The results get better and better as time goes on.”

Dr Melanie Palm
Board-certified dermatologist and ALASTIN physician contributor

What Skin Concerns Does HA IMMERSE Target?

HA IMMERSE is designed for hydration-related and visible ageing concerns, including:

  • Dehydrated skin.
  • Dry or seasonally dry skin.
  • Dullness and reduced radiance.
  • Loss of visible suppleness.
  • Fine lines emphasised by dehydration.
  • Skin that feels tight or moisture-depleted.
  • Age-related changes in visible plumpness.
  • Skin exposed to heating, air conditioning or dry environmental conditions.

Because dehydration can affect every skin type, HA IMMERSE may also be relevant to combination or oily complexions that lack water but do not require a heavy moisturising texture.

Dry Skin versus Dehydrated Skin

Dryness and dehydration are related but distinct concerns:

  • Dry skin is a skin type associated with reduced oil production.
  • Dehydrated skin is a temporary or persistent condition in which the skin lacks water.

Any skin type can become dehydrated, including oily skin. Dehydration may be influenced by seasonal conditions, indoor heating, air conditioning, environmental exposure or the use of intensive active skincare.

HA IMMERSE has a lightweight, non-tacky texture that allows it to provide concentrated hydration without relying on the richness of a traditional cream.

HA IMMERSE and the Appearance of Fine Lines

When the skin is dehydrated, fine surface creases can become more visible. Increasing moisture can soften the appearance of these lines by helping the surface look smoother, fuller and more reflective.

HA IMMERSE supports this through both immediate moisture binding and longer-term HA technology. Its combination of topical hyaluronic acid, Octapeptide-45 and Hexapeptide-11 makes it particularly relevant when fine lines occur alongside dullness, tightness or reduced suppleness.

HA IMMERSE and Dermal Fillers

ALASTIN recommends HA IMMERSE for daily use alongside dermal fillers. The two approaches perform different but complementary roles within an aesthetic programme.

  • Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used by qualified practitioners to address professionally selected areas beneath the skin.
  • HA IMMERSE is a topical skincare serum supporting hydration, smoothness, radiance and visible plumpness across the complexion.

This makes HA IMMERSE a valuable homecare component for people seeking to maintain a hydrated and polished skin appearance as part of a professionally guided aesthetic programme.

HA IMMERSE versus a Conventional Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Formulation feature Conventional HA serum ALASTIN HA IMMERSE
Topical moisture binding Typically included Multiple hydration-supporting ingredients
Crosslinked HA Formula dependent Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer
Support for natural HA production Not usually a defining feature Proprietary Octapeptide-45
HA preservation support Formula dependent Hexapeptide-11
Clinical evaluation Varies by finished product Immediate and four-week participant results reported

HA IMMERSE versus Restorative Skin Complex

HA IMMERSE and ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex occupy complementary positions within the ALASTIN range.

  • HA IMMERSE is a focused hyaluronic acid and peptide treatment for hydration, suppleness and visible plumping.
  • Restorative Skin Complex is a broader peptide-powered serum targeting visible texture, tone, elasticity, hydration, fine lines and volume.

They can be layered together, with HA IMMERSE applied first after cleansing and Restorative Skin Complex applied afterwards.

Using HA IMMERSE with A-Luminate Brightening Serum

For a routine addressing dehydration alongside uneven tone, HA IMMERSE can be combined with ALASTIN A-Luminate Brightening Serum.

HA IMMERSE supplies the dedicated hydration and plumping step, while A-Luminate uses PATH-3 Technology, liposomal tranexamic acid and niacinamide to target the appearance of dark spots, discolouration and uneven tone.

Because each serum has a clearly differentiated purpose, they can contribute complementary benefits within a comprehensive medical-grade routine.

How to Apply HA IMMERSE

  1. Cleanse the face and neck.
  2. Apply one to two pumps of HA IMMERSE to clean, dry skin.
  3. Use it as the first serum in the routine.
  4. Apply across the face, neck and décolleté.
  5. Follow with the remaining corrective products and moisturiser.
  6. Complete the morning routine with broad-spectrum sunscreen.

HA IMMERSE can be used morning and evening. It does not require wet fingertips or application to damp skin.

For a complete application sequence, see our guide to layering skincare products in the correct order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes ALASTIN HA IMMERSE different?

Its defining feature is the combination of immediate topical hydration with technology supporting the skin’s natural HA production and preservation. Octapeptide-45, Hexapeptide-11 and multiple moisture-binding ingredients work through complementary mechanisms.

What does Octapeptide-45 do?

Octapeptide-45 supports the skin’s natural production of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, helping promote long-term hydration, suppleness and visible plumpness.

Does HA IMMERSE provide immediate hydration?

Yes. Topical hyaluronic acid, crosslinked sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and complementary humectants begin supporting surface hydration immediately after application.

How long does HA IMMERSE take to work?

Immediate improvements can be experienced in surface hydration and smoothness. Progressive improvements in moisture and overall skin appearance were reported after four weeks of continued use.

Is HA IMMERSE suitable for oily skin?

Yes. Oily skin can still be dehydrated. HA IMMERSE has a lightweight, non-tacky texture designed to provide concentrated hydration without the feel of a rich cream.

Can HA IMMERSE be used with active skincare?

Yes. It can provide a supportive hydration step within routines containing retinoids, antioxidants, brightening formulations or exfoliating ingredients. Apply HA IMMERSE first after cleansing unless your individually recommended routine specifies otherwise.

Can HA IMMERSE be used with Restorative Skin Complex?

Yes. Apply HA IMMERSE first, followed by Restorative Skin Complex. The products provide complementary hydration and rejuvenating support.

Can it be used alongside dermal fillers?

Yes. ALASTIN recommends HA IMMERSE for daily use alongside dermal fillers as a topical treatment supporting hydration, smoothness and visible plumpness.

Does HA IMMERSE replace moisturiser?

HA IMMERSE is a concentrated hydration serum. A moisturiser can be applied afterwards to provide additional comfort, emollience and moisture retention according to the needs of the skin.

Where can HA IMMERSE be applied?

It can be applied across the face, neck and décolleté morning and evening.

Explore ALASTIN Hydration and Peptide Technology

The ALASTIN range uses different proprietary technologies for distinct aspects of visible skin ageing. Octapeptide-45 is specifically associated with HA IMMERSE and hyaluronic acid support, while TriHex and TriHex+ appear within selected rejuvenating formulations.

Read our complete guide to ALASTIN TriHex and TriHex+ technology to understand how these peptide platforms differ, or explore the full ALASTIN skincare collection.

Related products and clinical skincare guides

Sources Consulted

  • ALASTIN Skincare: HA IMMERSE Serum product, ingredient, clinical-results and application information.
  • ALASTIN Skincare: Octapeptide-45 and hyaluronic acid technology information.
  • ALASTIN Skincare clinical data on file: multi-centre evaluation and participant questionnaires.

This article provides general skincare education. Follow the directions supplied with your product and any individual guidance provided by your treating practitioner.

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