Ingredient dictionary

Biosaccharide Gum-1

Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a fermentation-made polymer, or long chain of sugar units, that thickens formulas and helps them hold water on the skin. It is on the label of 11 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Biosaccharide Gum-1 does

Thickens and gives body to creams
Helps skin hold onto water
Adds a smooth, silky slip

Biosaccharide Gum-1 starts with sugars. Microbes ferment those sugars, which builds long chains of sugar units called a polysaccharide. The chains are then purified and prepared so they are easy to add to a formula.

Formulators use gums like this to shape texture. The long chains swell in water and form a soft network, which makes creams thicker and more cushioned. They also help hold water near the skin, so a product can feel hydrated for longer. On the skin it usually feels light and slippery rather than heavy, and it leaves a smooth finish. In exfoliants, it helps keep scrub particles evenly spread.

Good for

Suits moisturizers and exfoliants that need a smooth, cushioned texture, and people who like light, non-greasy creams.

Frequently asked questions

Is Biosaccharide Gum-1 natural?

It is made from sugars through fermentation, so it is often described as bio-based. In cosmetics, the word natural has no single legal meaning, so the way an ingredient is made is a more useful clue than the label word alone.

Can Biosaccharide Gum-1 clog pores?

It is a water-loving gum, not an oil, and it is not known as a common cause of clogged pores. If your skin reacts easily, try a new cream on a small patch first and see how it feels over a few days.