Identifiers
Functions
Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is used in cosmetics as a cleansing, skin conditioning, and smoothing agent, according to its INCI function listing. In food and pharmaceutical contexts, the related glucose-based chemistry supports roles as a nutritive sweetener, humectant, stabilizer/thickener, flavor enhancer, and solvent or vehicle. The ingredient's primary commercial role is therefore multifunctional: it can contribute to product texture, moisture retention, and skin feel in personal care, while in ingestible formats it functions as a carbohydrate source and processing aid. No evidence indicates use in other application categories.
Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide addresses formulation needs for mild cleansing, skin conditioning, and surface smoothing in cosmetic products, as indicated by its INCI functions. In broader glucose-based systems, it can solve issues related to moisture control, texture stabilization, and sweetness without relying on high-intensity alternatives. For formulators, this means the ingredient can help achieve a balanced sensory profile and functional performance in personal care, while in food or pharmaceutical applications it may support humectancy and structural integrity. The evidence does not specify which particular product defects it corrects, only the functional categories it serves.
The main commercial uses are supported by regulatory and functional listings: alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is an active INCI-listed cosmetic ingredient with cleansing, skin conditioning, and smoothing functions, and it appears in official cosmetic regulations without restrictions. For glucose-related applications, evidence includes food additive approvals for dextrose (e.g., as a nutritive sweetener, humectant, stabilizer) and therapeutic uses such as fluid and nutrient replenishment. However, these glucose data are not specific to alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, so they cannot be extrapolated as direct evidence for its efficacy. No clinical trial or product-level data were available for the oligosaccharide itself.
Formulators should consider that alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is a water-soluble, odorless material that can be incorporated into aqueous systems, but its humectant and stabilizer functions may affect water activity and texture. In cosmetics, its cleansing and smoothing roles may require balancing with other surfactants or conditioners to avoid over-drying or residue. For ingestible products, glucose-based ingredients can contribute sweetness and caloric load, which may be a trade-off in reduced-sugar formulations. No concentration limits or restrictions are listed, but the absence of maximum-use data means formulators must rely on empirical optimization.
| Property | Value | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide is a glucose oligomer exhibiting a degree of polymerization ranging from 2 to 10. The α-D-glucopyranose monomers are linked by (1-2), prepared by action of Leuconostoc mesenteroides glucosyl transferase on sucrose | Analytical Properties |
| UNII | S95658MI3W | Analytical Properties |
| Last Updated | 2025-12-17 09:49:29 | Analytical Properties |
| CAS | 27707-45-5 | Analytical Properties |
| Other identifiers | 380843-81-2,Bosutinib Impurity 2 | Analytical Properties |
A relevant benchmark is dextrose (D-glucose), which shares the glucopyranose backbone and is widely used as a nutritive sweetener, humectant, and stabilizer in food and pharmaceutical formulations. Unlike dextrose, alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is a polymer of glucose units, which likely alters its solubility, viscosity, and sweetness profile, making it more suitable for texture and film-forming applications. In cosmetics, the benchmark would be other sugar-based conditioning agents, but no direct comparative data exist. The key difference is that the oligosaccharide's polymeric nature may provide different rheological and sensory properties than the monosaccharide.