It is a multifunctional ingredient derived from natural raw materials for skin care applications valued for its moisturizing, softening, and conditioning effects on the skin.
Carbohydrates
This group is composed of highly effective skincare ingredients which are derived from diverse natural sources: plants, grains, fungi, and yeast. The majority of carbohydrates incorporated in beauty formulas are glucans, long chains of glucose molecules that are connected together. Being derived from plants or microorganisms these compounds are pretty familiar to our body cells, so they don’t cause any dermal irritation or sensibilization. Some of the glucans are even utilized in the food industry. Obviously, they are safe in concentrations used in cosmetics.
Glucans are a total win-win for all types of complexions. First, these carbohydrates are exceptional moisturizers. Being applied on the top layer of the epidermis they form a delicate layer on it and, thus, hinder water evaporation from the face surface. On the other hand, due to their chemical structure, they have the ability to bond water molecules and keep them inside dermal layers. The double moisturizing effect of these molecules protects skin from dehydration, consecutive dermal destruction, and wrinkle formation.
Next, they are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. These carbohydrates efficiently hunt and neutralize free radicals, which are the main cause of collagen quantity drop and wrinkling. Actively penetrating the epidermis and dermis they also stop the harmful cascade of inflammatory processes and prevents degradation of the skin frame.
Also, these compounds are involved in the inhibition of melanin production. In this way, they battle hyperpigmentation, one of the most common problems of aging skin. And this is not the end. Some carbs are incorporated into beauty formulations to serve as prebiotics (food for dermal microflora). Microorganisms are an essential part of our body's uppermost layer and their bioactivity straightforwardly affect skin integrity. This is why microbiome-friendly beauty formulas are one of the trends of 2021.
Taking into account all these impressive benefits of polymeric carbs many famous beauty experts mention glucans as must-have ingredients of result–delivering skincare products.
Nature offers us innumerable varieties of carbohydrates, many of which are easily taken for granted. Simple sugars like glucose and mannose are among the most recognizable. Simple sugars can bind together into larger chains of sugars called polysaccharides.
This crystalline disaccharide is obtained from sugar cane, sugar beet, and sorghum and forms the greater part of maple sugar.
A plant-based probiotic and sugar combined to create a microbiotic solution for sensitive skin.
Syner-GX is a mixture of guar gum and xanthan gum. The 100% natural thickener stabilizes formulations and imparts the skin a soft and gentle feel. A study shows that this complex possesses better thickening properties than xanthan gum or guar gum alone.
Tapioca starch is a naturally derived, unique water-soluble ingredient that can absorb oils and fragrances in a powder form but readily disperses them in warm water.
Galactomannans from Caesalpinia Spinosa, in particular, have a 3:1 mannose:galactose ratio (Man:Gal) and relatively regular distribution of galactose along the main chain.
Vitamin C Booster is a plant derived sugar, which transfers fatty acids into the mitochondria to help use more oxygen efficiently.
Walnut (Juglans Mandshurica) shell powder is an abrasive used in scrub products. Juglans Mandshurica shells are prepared by the controlled grinding of the shells of walnuts.
Xanthan gum is a natural carbohydrate gum produced by a yeast-like micro-organism. It has soothing properties and is used as an emulsifier and thickener to help with the consistency and stability of creams.
Xylitol is a C5 sugar alcohol, a low-calorie sugar substitute (40% fewer calories than an equivalent amount of table sugar [sucrose]) that looks and tastes like sugar. Strikingly, Xylitol does not cause significant changes in blood glucose or insulin.
Yeast beta glucan is a natural polysaccharide extract, powerful humectant, attracting water to skin’s surface for the ultimate in hydration and moisture retention.
Zea Mays (corn) starch is a natural fine powder that may directly replace talc in skincare formulations. It effectively absorbs moisture and oil from the skin surface mattifying and providing a silky-soft feel.