Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide-1 is a glucose oligomer obtained by the action of glucosyl transferase on maltose, with a degree of polymerization ranging from 4 to 6 glucose units. This specialized oligosaccharide is used in the cosmetic and personal care industry for its moisturizing, skin-conditioning, and prebiotic properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide-1 is composed of glucose units linked together in a specific pattern:

Degree of Polymerization: Ranges from 4 to 6 glucose units.
Linkages: The glucose monomers are connected by glycosidic bonds formed by the action of glucosyl transferase on maltose.
Physical Properties
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide-1 typically appears as a white to off-white powder. It is soluble in water, making it suitable for inclusion in various cosmetic formulations. The oligosaccharide has a mild, neutral taste and odor.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications
Moisturizing: Enhances the skin’s ability to retain moisture, providing long-lasting hydration.

Skin Conditioning: Improves the texture and appearance of the skin, making it softer and smoother.

Prebiotic: Supports the growth of beneficial skin microbiota, promoting a balanced and healthy skin microbiome.

Soothing: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm irritated skin.

Protective: Forms a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from environmental stressors.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide-1 is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products when used within recommended concentrations. It is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. The production process, involving microbial fermentation, is sustainable and has a minimal environmental impact.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions


Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
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