Common Name(s): Natural polysaccharide,prebiotic or humectant biopolymer,skin conditioning

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides skin surface hydration through hydroxyl group water binding, supports beneficial skin microbiome organisms as a selective fermentation substrate, and forms a conditioning film that reduces tewl.

Why It's Used: Natural polysaccharides combine humectant function with microbiome prebiotic activity — a dual benefit unavailable from synthetic humectants like glycerin, important for microbiome-conscious formulation.

How It Works: Hydroxyl groups on the polysaccharide backbone bind water through hydrogen bonding (5–7 h₂o molecules per sugar unit) providing hygroscopic moisture retention. fructans and inulins are selectively fermented by beneficial lactobacillus skin commensals providing a prebiotic microbiome benefit.

Typically Found In: Hydrating,microbiome support,barrier

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

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

Inulin-type fructans specifically promote lactobacillus growth over pathogenic s. aureus — the selective fermentation providing a natural prebiotic differentiation for microbiome-targeted skin care claims.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,natural polysaccharide humectant prebiotic review