E1204 (Pullulan) is an exopolysaccharide polymer, a complex sugar produced by the dark-coloured, ubiquitous fungus Aureobasidium pullulan, which grows on vegetables and plants. 

It appears as a white or yellowish powder that is soluble in water.

It is a very expensive polymer.

A cosa serve e dove si usa

Food

Ingredient listed in the European food additives list as E1204 as a coating agent.

It has low caloric content, can be used as a binder with low viscosity and a pH between 2 and 11.

Safety

Pullulan was recognised as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2002 for use in food applications and has GRAS status (generally considered safe).

Cosmetics

Binder agent. It is used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products as an anti-caking agent with the function of making the product in which it is incorporated silky, compact and homogenous. The binder, either natural such as mucilage, gums and starches or chemical, may be in the form of a powder or liquid.

Film-forming agent. It produces a continuous ultra-thin film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on the skin or hair to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.

The most relevant studies on this ingredient have been selected with a summary of their contents:

Pullulan studies

• Molecular Formula: C₂₀H₃₆O₁₆
• Molecular Weight: 532.49024
• CAS: 9057-02-7
• UNII   8ZQ0AYU1TT
• EC Number: 232-945-1