Polydextrose

Polydextrose is an inert, high–molecular weight glucose polymer used primarily as a humectant/texture agent in cosmetics, typically at low-to-moderate concentrations, and it is not pH-dependent or biologically “active.” Available safety assessments and patch test experience suggest a very low rate of irritation or sensitization, though any polymeric additive can rarely sting on severely compromised skin. Given the need to account for highly reactive/eczema-prone populations, it fits best as very gentle rather than completely inert. Safety Notes: In consumer skincare, polydextrose is most often used as a minor humectant/skin-feel modifier or bulking/texture aid in leave-on lotions/serums and rinse-off cleansers, commonly appearing at trace-to-low levels around 0.05–1%. Higher levels are observed in specialized hydrating gels, barrier-support creams, and some peel-off/mask-type products where it functions more as a soluble film-former/bulking agent, reaching about 3–8% while still maintaining acceptable clarity/viscosity and rinseability. No specific cosmetics maximum limit is set under EU/FDA frameworks for polydextrose, so practical formulation aesthetics and stability (tack, viscosity, microbial risk due to carbohydrate load) typically define the upper end.