Anhydrogalactose
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 3, 6-ANHYDRO-L-GALACTOSE, 28251-55-0, 6-Anhydrogalactose, L-Galactose, Anhydrogalactose [INCI], (2S)-2-[(2R, 3R, 4S)-3, 4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyacetaldehyde
Synthetic
Antioxidant
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Sugar-Based Active
Not Clean
3,6-Anhydro-L-galactose,L-Galactose, 3,6-anhydro-
Formula
C6H10O5
Mol. Weight
162.14
CAS #
28251-55-0
Form
Powder
Functions
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
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.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic sugar derivative developed in the 20th century for cosmetic use. Created as a humectant and texturizing agent to provide hydration and improve product stability in modern skincare formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 100%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 815).
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR