Dextran ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used mainly as a film-former, binder, and viscosity-supporting polymer in skin care, hair care, and color cosmetics. It can also help give formulas a smoother feel and light humectant effect.
What does Dextran do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used mainly as a film-former, binder, and viscosity-supporting polymer in skin care, hair care, and color cosmetics. It can also help give formulas a smoother feel and light humectant effect.
Is Dextran clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well-tolerated and has little restricted-list friction. Sensitivity concerns are low, with quality depending mainly on control of fermentation residues and microbial purity.
Is Dextran sustainable?
This material is commonly made by fermentation of renewable sugar feedstocks. It is water-soluble and readily biodegradable, with a comparatively favorable environmental profile.
Is Dextran COSMOS-approved?
It is generally compatible with COSMOS natural and organic formulations when produced by allowed fermentation and processed with compliant auxiliaries. Its renewable feedstock route, biodegradability, and low concern profile fit Green Chemistry principles well.
How does Dextran work chemically?
The molecule is a high-molecular-weight, branched glucose polysaccharide with mainly alpha-1,6 linkages and variable side branching. It is typically used at low levels for texture and film formation, is water-soluble, and is most stable in mildly acidic to neutral formulas rather than strongly acidic systems.
Last updated 2026-05-13