IO Moisturizing Polysaccharide Gel

Some ingredients are chosen as much for their feel as for their story. IO Moisturizing Polysaccharide Gel is one of them. In the market it is associated with a fucose-rich polysaccharide produced by fermentation, a sugar-based polymer that gives a silky, comfortable film and long-lasting moisture.

Product data

Liquid. Soluble in water, propylene glycol and glycerin. PH range 5.5 to 6.5. The exact INCI, polymer content and recommended level are confirmed on the supplier CoA for each lot. A commonly used INCI for this type of material is Biosaccharide Gum-1, but always follow the document for your lot.

Why formulators like it

Polysaccharides of this type bind water and form a smooth, flexible film. On the skin, this gives a silky, cushioned feel and a comfortable surface that lasts. In formulas, they can also improve the sensory profile of emulsions and gels.

Product formats

Comfort gel

A light gel for skin that feels tight or sensitive.

Hydrating cream

A cream with a silky after-feel for normal to dry skin.

After-shave balm

A fluid balm that leaves shaved skin feeling smooth and comfortable.

Serum

A hydration serum with layered moisture.

Formulating guidance

Add the ingredient during cool-down into the water phase, or predissolve it in glycerin or propylene glycol. Keep the finished pH within 5.5 to 6.5. Combine with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and with soothing ingredients such as bisabolol. For a related fucose-based story, see IO Marine Moisture Active Liquid. Further hydration actives can be found in our actives section.

Claims

Use cosmetic wording: hydrated, smooth, comfortable, soothed-feeling skin. Support claims with tests on the finished product.

Who buys comfort products

Customers with sensitive-feeling skin, men after shaving and anyone who wants a pleasant, comforting texture.

Testing

Run stability at room temperature and 40 °C, checking viscosity, pH and clarity.

Packaging

Tubes and airless pumps for gels and balms; clear glass for serums.

Range planning

A comfort line with a gel, a cream and an after-shave balm can share the ingredient. Keep all three fragrance-free or lightly scented.

Sensory testing

Compare formulas with and without the ingredient on the inner forearm and ask panelists to rate smoothness, tack and comfort after one minute and after one hour. The difference in after-feel is often the strongest argument for using it.

Batch quality

Record the lot number from the CoA and keep retained samples. Check viscosity of a standard test solution on arrival to detect lot variation.

Sensitive skin positioning

Comfort products for sensitive-feeling skin should stay short and simple. Avoid strong fragrance, essential oils and high levels of alcohol. A formula built on this ingredient, glycerin, a light oil and panthenol gives a reassuring, minimalist ingredient list. Test the finished product with a small panel that includes people who describe their skin as sensitive, and record their comfort ratings.

Original recipe: after-shave comfort balm, 100 g

Phase A: water 78.40 g, glycerin 3.00 g, IO Moisturizing Polysaccharide Gel 5.00 g as an example level per CoA, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer 0.30 g. Phase B: caprylic/capric triglyceride 5.00 g, squalane 2.00 g, bisabolol 0.30 g. Disperse the polymer in water with glycerin and IO Moisturizing Polysaccharide Gel, add B under stirring, then neutralize with sodium hydroxide solution 0.30 g. Phase C: panthenol 2.00 g, allantoin 0.20 g, menthyl lactate 0.20 g, preservative 1.00 g, fragrance 0.30 g, polysorbate 20 2.00 g premixed with the fragrance and menthyl lactate. Final pH about 6.0.

Storage

Keep it closed in a cool, shaded spot and reseal promptly.