Polydextrose ●
TL;DR. It is primarily a humectant and water-soluble skin-conditioning polymer, helping hold water in a formula and leaving a light smoothing film on skin or hair.
What does Polydextrose do in a cosmetic formula?
It is primarily a humectant and water-soluble skin-conditioning polymer, helping hold water in a formula and leaving a light smoothing film on skin or hair.
Is Polydextrose clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally low-irritation and does not sit on the usual restricted lists for preservatives, fragrance allergens, silicones, or UV filters. The main caveat is quality control around residual processing acids or low-molecular impurities, rather than the molecule itself.
Is Polydextrose sustainable?
It is commonly derived from plant-based carbohydrate feedstocks and is water-soluble and biodegradable. Its sustainability profile is usually favorable, with the main variables being agricultural sourcing and manufacturing energy rather than environmental persistence.
Is Polydextrose COSMOS-approved?
It is generally compatible with COSMOS-natural style formulation when made from natural-origin feedstocks using permitted processing, though certification depends on the supplier documentation. From a Green Chemistry lens, it aligns well through renewable raw materials, low bioaccumulation concern, and good biodegradability.
How does Polydextrose work chemically?
It is a highly branched, water-soluble carbohydrate polymer made by acid-catalyzed condensation of a simple sugar, often with small amounts of polyol and organic-acid residues, with typical average molecular weight around 1.5 to 2 kDa. It is used in the water phase, is broadly stable across typical cosmetic pH ranges, and can increase tack or film feel if used at higher levels.
Last updated 2026-05-13