Dextran

What Dextran is & what it does

Dextran is a polysaccharide produced by fermentation of sucrose by certain bacteria, made up of chains of glucose units. In cosmetics it acts as a film former and skin-conditioning agent, and it can help bind water and improve texture. Because it is a sugar-based polymer, it is generally considered gentle and is used in serums and moisturizers.

What does Dextran do in skincare?

Dextran is a sugar-based polymer that acts as a film former and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It can help bind water and improve a product's texture, so it is often found in serums and moisturizers.

Is Dextran safe in skincare?

Dextran is a glucose-based polysaccharide that is widely used in cosmetics and is generally regarded as gentle and well tolerated. As with any ingredient, individual sensitivity can vary, so patch testing is reasonable if you have reactive skin.

Is Dextran natural or synthetic?

Dextran is produced by bacterial fermentation of sucrose, so it is biologically derived rather than petroleum-based. Because it is made through a controlled fermentation process, it is often described as a naturally derived or biotechnological ingredient.

Sunscreens with Dextran

We rate 35 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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