What it is
Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is a low-molecular-weight carbohydrate made of a small number of glucose units joined by alpha glycosidic linkages. It is used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning sugar that can act as a substrate favoring beneficial resident skin flora, positioning it as a prebiotic-style ingredient. It is water-soluble and contributes a light, non-occlusive feel.
Safety & warnings
This oligosaccharide is generally well tolerated and non-irritating at typical cosmetic use levels. It is not oily and is not considered comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
It is generally produced enzymatically from plant-derived sugars such as sucrose, converting them into a defined short-chain glucose oligosaccharide.
Questions everyone asks
Why is a sugar ingredient added to sunscreen?
It serves as a skin-conditioning, prebiotic-type carbohydrate that can help support a balanced skin surface while contributing a light hydrated feel.
Is it a prebiotic?
It is described as prebiotic-style because it can act as a substrate that favors beneficial skin-resident microorganisms, though it is used here as a cosmetic conditioning ingredient.