Anhydrogalactose
AKA “L-Galactose, Anhydrogalactose [INCI], RefChem:487438, UNII-II64NNN45G, (2S)-2-[(2R”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Anhydrogalactose
AKA: L-Galactose, Anhydrogalactose [INCI], RefChem:487438, UNII-II64NNN45G, (2S)-2-[(2R
Synthetic · Antioxidant · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Antioxidant
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Sugar-Based Active
Synthetic
Clean
A natural sugar derivative that hydrates skin and protects against environmental damage, leaving your complexion soft and moisturized.
Formula
C6H10O5
Mol. Weight
162.14
CAS #
28251-55-0
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic sugar derivative developed in the 20th century for cosmetic use. Created as a humectant and texturizing agent to provide hydration and improve product stability in modern skincare formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 100%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 815).
Regulatory Agencies
Safety Assessment of Anhydrogalactose,Anhydroglucitol, Anhydroxylitol, Arabinose,Psicose, Saccharide Hydrolysate, andSaccharide Isomerate as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Anhydrogalactose
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Safety Assessment of Anhydrogalactose, Anhydroglucitol, Anhydroxylitol, Arabinose, Psicose, Saccharide Hydrolysate, and Saccharide Isomerate as Used i
Johnson W Jr, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Cohen DE, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2025
Safety Assessment of Anhydrogalactose, Anhydroglucitol, Anhydroxylitol, Arabinose, Psicose, Saccharide Hydrolysate, and Saccharide Isomerate as Used i
Johnson W Jr, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Cohen DE, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2025
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR