Alcaligenes Polysaccharides
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Microbial polysaccharide, Biopolymer
Synthetic
Humectant
Emollient
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Alcaligenes Polysaccharides are the polysaccharides produced by a bacterial culture of Alcaligenes latus
Effective at 0.15%
Form
Powder
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A bioengineered polysaccharide produced by Alcaligenes bacteria, developed in the late 20th century as a natural moisturizing and film-forming agent for modern cosmetics.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.005%
0.3%
0%0%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.005-0.3
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR