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Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans

What Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans is & what it does

Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans are glycosaminoglycans, a family of large sugar-based molecules related to hyaluronic acid, that have been broken down into smaller fragments. In skincare and sunscreen formulas they act as humectants and skin-conditioning agents, helping to attract and hold water at the skin surface. The smaller, hydrolyzed form is used to improve how easily the ingredient absorbs.

What do Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans do in skincare?

Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans are sugar-based molecules, related to hyaluronic acid, that have been broken into smaller pieces. They act as humectants and skin-conditioning agents, helping the skin attract and hold water at the surface. The hydrolyzed form is used so the ingredient absorbs more easily.

Are Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans natural or synthetic?

Glycosaminoglycans can be sourced from animal tissue or produced by microbial fermentation, then broken down (hydrolyzed) for cosmetic use. So the answer depends on the supplier's method. The label alone may not state the origin, so check with the brand if the source matters to you.

Are Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans vegan?

It depends on the source: some glycosaminoglycans are derived from animal tissue, while others are made by fermentation and are suitable for vegan formulas. Because the INCI name does not reveal the origin, you cannot tell from the label alone. Contact the brand to confirm if a vegan product is important to you.

Sunscreens with Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans

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

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