A highly branched cyclic polysaccharide made from starch by an enzyme, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient.
What it is
Alpha-glucan is a highly branched, cyclic polysaccharide produced by the action of a branching enzyme on starch. According to CosIng it consists of about 500 to 2,000 glucose units. CosIng lists it as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in skin care products such as serums, creams and masks.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name does not reveal the botanical source of the starch.
Functions
- Humectant
- Retaining and/or preserving the moisture in a product during use.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.