Dextran
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Type of sugar that has water-binding properties for skin
EWG Safety Score
What Is Dextran?
Dextran is a polysaccharide (sugar) that has water-binding properties for skin, meaning it’s an excellent ingredient for maintaining hydration. It is often combined with peptides in powder form to improve stability and compatibility with different types of skin care formulas.\n\nIt can also be used to create a skin care product’s hydrogel structure. Hydrogels are absorbent structures that don’t dissolve in water and are often used in medical settings for wound healing.\n\nThe French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur first discovered dextran in the 1860s as a byproduct of wine fermentation. The dextran used today in skin care is produced from the sugar sucrose by lactic acid bacteria. Dextran has been ruled safe as used in cosmetics and has “GRAS” (Generally Recognized as Safe” status when used as a food additive.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, May 2020, pages 1-14 Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 2020
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Natural Products and Bioprospecting, 2019, pages 267-278 Natural Products and Bioprospecting, 2019
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Algerian Journal of Natural Products, 2016, pages 348-357 Algerian Journal of Natural Products, 2016
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International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences, December 2010, pages 569-573 International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences, 2010
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European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, May 2009, pages 232-238 European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2009
From the Clinic
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Dextran Sulfate
A polysaccharide that conditions and binds moisture to the skin surface
Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer
Synthetic cross-linked polymer
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
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