A polysaccharide obtained by deacetylating chitin, used as a film former and hair fixative.
What it is
Chitosan is deacetylated chitin, a polysaccharide made mainly of glucosamine units. Chitin is found in the shells of crustaceans, in insects and in the cell walls of fungi. CosIng lists it as a film-forming and hair-fixing ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in hair care and styling products and in skin care products.
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 source of the chitin, for example crustaceans or fungi, or the degree of deacetylation.
Functions
- Film forming
- Producing (upon application) a continuous film on the skin, hair or nails.
- Hair fixing
- Permitting physical control of hair style.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.