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Ingredient · INCI reference

Hydrolyzed Mucopolysaccharides

Hydrolyzed mucopolysaccharides are broken-down glycosaminoglycan polymers used in cosmetics as humectants and skin-conditioning agents.

What it is

Hydrolyzed mucopolysaccharides are mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) that have been hydrolyzed into smaller, water-soluble fragments. In skincare and sun-care formulas they act as humectants and conditioning agents that attract and hold water, helping leave skin feeling smooth and supple. The smaller hydrolyzed form spreads easily in water-based systems.

Safety & warnings

Generally well tolerated as a water-soluble conditioning agent, with low irritation potential at typical cosmetic use levels. It is not an oil and is not considered comedogenic.

Questions everyone asks

What do hydrolyzed mucopolysaccharides do?

They act as humectants and conditioning agents that help draw in and hold moisture for a smooth skin feel.

Why are they hydrolyzed?

Hydrolysis breaks the large polymers into smaller, water-soluble fragments that mix and spread more easily in formulas.

Sources & references

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