Common Name(s): Glyceryl dimaltodextrin,glyceryl dimaltodextrin,polyol or sugar derivative,humectant emollient active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides emollient conditioning and moisture retention from the polyol ether or sugar ester chemistry โ the multiple hydroxyl groups contributing water-binding humectancy and the ester/ether chains contributing sc-compatible emolliency.
Why It's Used: Sugar-derived polyol esters combine natural origin (glucose/sucrose backbone) with synthetic-level emollient performance โ the ether or ester modification controlling polarity and spreading for targeted skin feel.
How It Works: Polyol backbone oh groups provide h-bonding water retention. ether linkage (methyl gluceth) or ester linkage (sucrose ester) provides lipophilic sc integration. the combination: hygroscopic surface humectancy + lipophilic sc integration providing both immediate and sustained moisture.
Typically Found In: All formulations,natural skin care
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ humectant
Secondary Functions: Moisture retention,hydration
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,barrier actives
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Sugar-derived ingredients provide exceptional safety profiles from the food-grade starting material heritage โ gras status of many sugar feedstocks extends beneficial safety documentation to the cosmetic derivative.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,glyceryl dimaltodextrin polyol sugar derivative review