Common Name(s): Levan-sugar complex,fructan prebiotic,levan polysaccharide mix

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Attracts moisture to skin and supports the growth of beneficial skin microbiome bacteria.

Why It's Used: Levan (a beta-2,6-fructan polysaccharide) provides humectancy and prebiotic function supporting beneficial lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species on skin; combined with free sugars for immediate and sustained prebiotic activity.

How It Works: Levan (beta-2,6-linked fructan) is preferentially metabolized by beneficial lactic acid bacteria over pathogenic species; provides selective prebiotic advantage; free sugars provide immediate energy substrate; combined humectancy from the polyol sugar backbone.

Typically Found In: Prebiotic microbiome skin care,humectant-rich serums,sensitive skin products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – prebiotic

Secondary Functions: Humectant,microbiome support,skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Levan from bacterial fermentation (gluconobacter, bacillus, or zymomonas synthesis from sucrose); sugars from plant fermentation; naturally derived.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Other prebiotics,inulin,probiotics,humectants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Levan is a high-mw fructan polysaccharide produced by bacterial fructosyltransferase enzymes from sucrose; the combined levan/free-sugar system provides both immediate (free sugar) and sustained (levan polysaccharide) prebiotic feeding of beneficial skin bacteria.

Last Verified: 2026-03-28

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary