Common Name(s): Biosaccharide gum-4,biosaccharide gum-4,microbial exopolysaccharide,biotechnology polysaccharide active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides moisture retention from the polysaccharide's multiple hydroxyl groups, film-forming conditioning from the polymer chain architecture, and in some grades prebiotic selective fermentation by beneficial skin microbiome organisms.
Why It's Used: Microbial biosaccharides provide pharmaceutical-grade consistency unavailable from plant polysaccharides โ controlled fermentation delivers the same polysaccharide structure and mw distribution every batch for reproducible clinical performance.
How It Works: Microbial eps fermentation in defined bioreactor medium โ specific polysaccharide backbone structure determined by organism's transferase enzymes โ consistent mw distribution (mw/mn < 1.5) โ reproducible rheological and biological properties. the specific polysaccharide structure determines: moisture retention (h-bonding density), film quality (chain flexibility), and prebiotic selectivity (monosaccharide composition).
Typically Found In: Skin care,microbiome formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ skin microbiome support
Secondary Functions: Microbiome balance,prebiotic effect
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Fermentation-derived or plant-extracted.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; beneficial for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,niacinamide,soothing actives
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Biosaccharide gum grades are organism-specific โ each biosaccharide gum number designates a specific organism and structure with distinct functional properties. formulators should characterise the specific grade's viscosity, water retention, and prebiotic activity for target application.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,biosaccharide gum-4 microbial eps review