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Saccharide Isomerate

Also known as: Saccharide Isomerate, Pentavitin

Overview

Saccharide Isomerate is a carbohydrate-derived humectant primarily used in cosmetic and personal care products to enhance skin and scalp hydration. Derived from plant sugars, it mimics the natural carbohydrate complex found in the skin's stratum corneum. Its molecular weight ranges approximately from 120 to 400 Da. It is known for its ability to bind water strongly, improving moisture retention and barrier integrity. It is used in skin and scalp care formulations to improve hydration, enhance barrier function, reduce flaking, and regulate sebum secretion. Clinical studies, though limited in number and scope, support its efficacy. It is considered safe for cosmetic use by expert panels and has been used in hundreds of products. The ingredient functions primarily through physical hydration and barrier support, with limited percutaneous absorption.

Benefits

Saccharide Isomerate primarily benefits skin and scalp hydration. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant reductions in scalp flaking, sebum secretion, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in adults with scalp conditions like dandruff and oily scalp within 28 days of topical application. A placebo-controlled clinical trial with adult Chinese subjects (n≥30) showed statistically significant improvements compared to placebo, indicating clinically relevant benefits for scalp health. Additionally, small clinical studies (n=15 per group) have shown statistically significant increases in skin moisture on forearms and lower legs when using moisturizing creams containing Saccharide Isomerate. It also improves skin barrier function and reduces skin dryness.

How it works

Saccharide Isomerate functions as a humectant by binding water molecules, mimicking natural carbohydrate complexes in the skin. This enhances skin and scalp barrier function, reduces water loss, and modulates sebum secretion. Its primary mechanism involves physical hydration and barrier support. Due to its molecular size, percutaneous absorption is limited, and it mainly acts on the skin surface and upper layers of the epidermis. No specific molecular targets have been identified; its efficacy relies on its ability to retain moisture on the skin's surface.

Side effects

Saccharide Isomerate is considered safe for cosmetic use by independent expert panels, including the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. No significant adverse effects have been reported in human studies. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not documented in available research. There are no reported drug interactions or contraindications. Safety in pregnant or lactating women has not been specifically studied, but no concerns have been raised in general use. Clinical and animal data show no significant irritation or sensitization. Overall, Saccharide Isomerate has a favorable safety profile when used topically at recommended concentrations.

Dosage

Effective concentrations of Saccharide Isomerate in cosmetic formulations typically reach up to 2.8%. Most studies and safety assessments reference use up to approximately 3% in topical formulations. No adverse effects have been reported at cosmetic use concentrations, and safety margins are considered adequate. Daily topical application is recommended for at least 4 weeks to observe benefits. It is used in creams, lotions, shampoos, and scalp treatments. Efficacy depends on skin surface retention due to limited systemic absorption. It is often combined with other moisturizing agents like ceramides for enhanced effect.

FAQs

Is Saccharide Isomerate safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, clinical and animal data show no significant irritation or sensitization, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

How soon can results be expected?

Improvements in scalp and skin hydration can typically be observed within 4 weeks of consistent use.

Can it be used on the scalp and face?

Yes, Saccharide Isomerate is suitable for both scalp and facial skin applications due to its moisturizing properties.

Is it a replacement for traditional moisturizers?

It acts as a complementary humectant and barrier enhancer, often used alongside other moisturizers for enhanced hydration.

Does it have any systemic effects?

No, there is no evidence of systemic absorption or effects when Saccharide Isomerate is applied topically.

Research Sources

https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Saccharide%20Humectants_0.pdf – This is a comprehensive safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. It includes data on acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity, dermal irritation, sensitization, and phototoxicity, concluding that there are no significant safety concerns at cosmetic use levels up to 2.8%.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35279940/ – This study is a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial on adult Chinese subjects with dandruff scalp. The findings show significant improvement in scalp flaking, sebum secretion, and TEWL compared to placebo after 28 days, indicating clinically relevant benefits for scalp health.
https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Saccharide%20Isomearate%20et%20al.pdf – This is another safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel focusing specifically on Saccharide Isomerate. It confirms the absence of irritation or sensitization in humans and supports its safe use in cosmetic formulations.
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2022053602A1/en – This patent document describes a formulation containing Saccharide Isomerate for cosmetic use. While not a clinical study, it provides context for the ingredient's application in enhancing skin hydration and barrier function.
https://www.scitepress.org/PublishedPapers/2019/98375/98375.pdf – This controlled clinical study with 15 subjects per group demonstrates statistically significant improvement in skin hydration with creams containing Saccharide Isomerate. The study supports the moisturizing claims associated with the ingredient, although the sample size is relatively small.