Saccharide Isomerate is a natural compound produced by a bioactive technology of natural sugar isomerization.

The name describes the structure of the molecule

• "Saccharide" refers to sugars or carbohydrates. These compounds are known for their moisturizing and humectant properties.
• "Isomerate" indicates that the molecule is an isomer of another compound, meaning it has the same chemical formula but a different structure.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Sugar-rich plants - Like corn or sugarcane.
• Citric Acid - Used in the isomerization process.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process

• Extraction - Sugars are extracted from the plants through a hydrolysis process.
• Isomerization - The extracted sugars undergo an isomerization process in the presence of citric acid. This produces a sugar composition similar to that of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF).
• Purification - The saccharide isomerate is purified through processes like chromatography to remove any impurities.
• Neutralization - If needed, the product is neutralized to achieve the desired pH.
• Drying - The purified product is dried to remove any residual water.
• Quality Control - A quality check is done to ensure the saccharide isomerate meets the desired specifications.

 It comes in the form of a white powder or clear liquid.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis.  The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.

CAS   100843-69-4

Medical

Saccharide isomerate improved the skin barrier of the scalp and demonstrated a growth inhibitory effect on Malassezia furfur a type of fungus responsible for a variety of dermatitis (1) and is able to reduce transepidermal water loss in eczema sufferers (2).

Commercial applications

Skin care products. Incorporated into formulations to improve the skin barrier and ensure deep hydration (3).

Anti-aging Products. Employed in cosmetics to provide hydration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Haircare Products. Added to conditioners and treatments to boost hair moisture and shine.

Sensitive Products. Used in products tailored for sensitive skin due to its ability to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Cosmetics. Used for its superb moisturizing properties, helping to maintain skin hydration.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Martin E, Zhang A, Campiche R. Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 Jan;22(1):262-266. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14913. 

(2) Hartini, H., Vlorensia, H. A., Martinus, A. R., & Ikhtiari, R. (2020). The effect of a moisturizing cream containing saccharide isomerate and ceramide on reducing transepidermal water loss in eczema. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Health Informatics and Medical Application Technology (ICHIMAT 2019) (pp. 411-417). SCITEPRESS‐Science and Technology Publications, Lda.

Abstract. Dermatitis is a disorder of dry skin or a state of skin sensitization due to exposure to external substances. Moisturizing treatments can reduce TEWL (transepidermal water loss). This study is aimed to determine the effectiveness of using moisturizing creams that contain saccharide isomerates and ceramide to reduce TEWL in eczema sufferers. The moisturizing creams have been applied in the lower limbs of eczema sufferers as subjects. The research subjects were 12 people for each group, namely the Saccharide Isomerates (SI), nonSI, Ceramide (S) and non-S. Tewameter/Corneometer 350 treatment used to measure TEWL values before treatment (Week 0) and after treatment (Week II). Data analysis using the unpaired t-test. The results showed that the use of moisturizing creams containing saccharide isomerates and moisturizing creams containing ceramide effectively reduced the TEWL value in eczema sufferers (p = 0.032).

(3) Vlorensia, H. H., Abdullah, H., Martinus, A. R., & Ikhtiari, R. (2020). The Effect of a Moisturizing Cream with Saccharide Isomerate and Ceramide on Increasing Skin Hydration.