Identifiers
Functions
The material safety profile for alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is favorable, with no GHS hazard classifications reported and a Cosmetic Ingredient Review finding of safe in present practices of use and concentration. Acute toxicity data show a rat oral LD50 of 25,800 mg/kg and a mouse intravenous LD50 of 9 g/kg, indicating low acute toxicity. The substance is hygroscopic and should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidizers and acids. No exposure limits are available, so occupational exposure should be managed conservatively.
The absence of GHS classifications and the presence of a positive Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety finding should be interpreted as complementary evidence of low hazard potential. The DILIrank and DILIst data, which classify the substance as no-DILI-concern and DILI negative, respectively, support a lack of liver toxicity concern, though these are based on intravenous administration of dextrose, a related compound. The high LD50 values further corroborate low acute toxicity. Together, these findings suggest a low intrinsic hazard, but the lack of GHS classifications means formal hazard communication labels are not established.
The primary exposure route is ingestion, as the substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion. Acute toxicity data are available for oral (rat LD50 25,800 mg/kg) and intravenous (mouse LD50 9 g/kg) routes, but no dermal or inhalation data are provided. The substance is used in cosmetics as a cleansing, skin conditioning, and smoothing agent, indicating potential dermal exposure in consumer products. However, no specific dermal toxicity or sensitization data are available, so dermal safety relies on the general cosmetic ingredient review finding.
Handling measures should focus on preventing ingestion and maintaining proper storage conditions. The substance is hygroscopic, so containers should be kept tightly closed in a dry, well-ventilated place. Storage should be in a cool, dry area away from strong oxidizers and strong acids. First aid is noted as none needed, but this is based on a 1999 reference and may not reflect current guidance. No specific personal protective equipment is mentioned, but standard hygiene practices to avoid ingestion are prudent given the exposure route.
Key evidence gaps include the absence of GHS hazard classifications, exposure limits, and dermal or inhalation toxicity data. The available DILI data are based on dextrose, not alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, so direct liver toxicity evidence is lacking. Additionally, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review finding is general and does not specify concentration limits. Resolving these gaps would require obtaining ingredient-specific toxicological studies, particularly for dermal and repeated-exposure scenarios, and establishing occupational exposure limits if the substance is handled in bulk.