Common Name(s): Bacterial levan,fructan biopolymer,microbial polysaccharide
CAS Number: 9013-95-0
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides bacterial fructan exceptional humectancy and anti-inflammatory with prebiotic microbiome support.
Why It's Used: Novel prebiotic humectant — levan provides exceptional humectancy from its very high molecular weight fructan structure alongside documented prebiotic support for beneficial skin microbiome species, representing a next-generation biopolymer with both hydration and microbiome benefits.
How It Works: Beta-2,6-linked fructan (very high mw, 2-500 mda). exceptional humectancy from fructan chain water binding. anti-inflammatory via tlr4 modulation. prebiotic supporting lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species on skin. produced by bacillus subtilis fermentation.
Typically Found In: Premium hydrating serums,prebiotic skincare,microbiome-supporting products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – humectant
Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes – from bacillus subtilis fermentation
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Levan's extraordinary molecular weight range (2-500 mda — the widest of any common biopolymer) reflects bacillus subtilis's unregulated fructan synthesis — the bacterium continues adding fructose units without a precise chain termination mechanism, creating polydisperse very high mw fructans that provide humectant film formation superior to even ha from their extreme chain length.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,kucukasik et al. levan review