Levan
AKA “Polyfructosan, bacterial polysaccharide”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Levan
AKA: Polyfructosan, Bacterial polysaccharide
Synthetic · Humectant · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Humectant
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Barrier Support
Synthetic
Clean
A natural film-former that creates a protective layer on skin, helping to lock in moisture and smooth the complexion.
CAS #
9013-95-0
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Skin Protecting
Helps rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier — the invisible shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Essential after over-exfoliating or harsh weather.
Occlusive
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Moisturising
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Nourishes & Protects
Traditional Use
A polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, developed in the 20th century. Used in cosmetics as a thickening and film-forming agent to provide texture and moisture retention.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Ethylhexylglycerin: a low-risk, but highly relevant, sensitizer in 'hypo-allergenic' cosmetics.
Aerts O, Verhulst L, Goossens A
Contact dermatitis, 2016
Levan
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Formaldehyde-releasers in cosmetics: relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy. Part 1. Characterization, frequency and relevance of sensitization,
de Groot AC, White IR, Flyvholm MA, Lensen G, Coenraads PJ
Contact dermatitis, 2010
Hygienic relevance and risk assessment of antimicrobial-impregnated textiles.
Kramer A, Guggenbichler P, Heldt P, Jünger M, Ladwig A et al.
Current problems in dermatology, 2006
Hygienic relevance and risk assessment of antimicrobial-impregnated textiles.
Kramer A, Guggenbichler P, Heldt P, Jünger M, Ladwig A et al.
Current problems in dermatology, 2006
Palmoplantar Pustulosis as an Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Disease with a Possible Relevance of Th17 Cell Plasticity: A Narrative Review.
Terui T, Murakami M, Okubo Y, Hayama K, Fujita H
Dermatology and therapy, 2025
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR