Common Name(s): Pullulan

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Attracts water molecules from the environment and deeper skin layers to the stratum corneum, maintaining surface hydration and suppleness.

Why It's Used: Humectants address the most common skin concern — dryness — by providing immediate and sustained moisture delivery to the stratum corneum.

How It Works: Multiple hydroxyl or other polar groups form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, physically trapping water in the stratum corneum while creating an osmotic driving force for water migration from deeper skin layers.

Typically Found In: Serums,moisturizers,toners,essences,masks

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Humectants

Secondary Functions: Humectant,skin-conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5–20%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic or plant-derived humectant; no animal components.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1

Comedogenicity Rating: 0

Sensitivity Concerns: Low sensitization potential at recommended use concentrations.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Well-characterized cosmetic ingredient with established safety profile. generally non-irritating at typical use concentrations. suitable for leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics.

Works Well With: Ceramides,other humectants,emollients,occlusives

Avoid Combining With: Very low humidity environments without occlusive layer

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Humectant efficacy correlates with hygroscopic capacity (g water per g humectant at standard rh). glycerin absorbs ~0.83 g water/g at 90% rh; hyaluronic acid retains up to 1000× its weight in water through the polyelectrolyte expansion of its carboxylate groups. optimal formulations balance humectants with occlusives (waxes, silicones) to prevent transepidermal water loss.

Last Verified: Cosing eu database; pcpc cosmetic ingredient safety reviews; ingredient-specific safety and efficacy literature

Primary Sources: 2025-01-15