Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate is a derivative of a natural mucopolysaccharide, or a component "found in connective tissue, skin, bone and cartilage together with proteins from the intercellular cells where collagen and elastin are embedded" (SkinCareInnovation.com). It is used as a skin conditioning agent (and sometimes seen in hair products as well) because of its ability to moisturize, heal, and soothe skin with its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reinforce skin’s intercellular matrix, according to CosmeticsCop.com.
This ingredient is derived from mucopolysaccharide, which is responsible for cell transportation in connection tissue. It can influence the quality of collagen "determine the diameter of the collagen fiber bundle." Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, created from mucopolysaccharides, is thought to be effective in treating wounds and aiding in skin regeneration, because the content of mucopolysaccharides are naturally much higher during the healing process.
Mucopolysaccharides are also thought to be responsible for the elasticity, resilience and the strength of the skin; "the dermal mucopolysaccharide content decreases with advancing age; therefore, by replenishment, it would be reasonable to think that the skin would remain stronger and softer longer" (SkinCareInnovation.com). By using Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, derived from mucopolysaccharides, in skin care products, these collagen and elastin-building properties can be applied topically to the skin and the benefits can be potentially added from the outside in.