Dextran is a naturally derived microbial polysaccharide composed of glucose units connected predominantly through α-(1→6) glycosidic linkages, with branching commonly involving α-(1→3) linkages. It is produced by certain microorganisms, particularly Leuconostoc species, through fermentation of sucrose-containing substrates. Dextran is a polymeric cosmetic ingredient with water-soluble and film-forming characteristics.
In personal-care formulations, Dextran can be considered for skin-conditioning, film-forming and formulation-support applications. Its ability to dissolve in water and form polymeric solutions makes it suitable for aqueous cosmetic systems.
Dextran is available in different molecular-weight fractions, commonly identified by numerical designations such as Dextran 40 or Dextran 70. These designations correspond approximately to the weight-average molecular weight expressed in thousands of Daltons. For example, USP Dextran 70 has a weight-average molecular-weight range of 63,000–77,000 Da.
Dextran has the INCI name DEXTRAN and CAS Number 9004-54-0. Its European Community number is 232-677-5. The polymer is generally represented by the repeating composition (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ, although the actual molecular weight and chain distribution vary according to grade.
Dextran is predominantly an α-D-glucose polymer. Approximately 95% of the linkages in typical dextran are α-(1→6), while α-(1→3) linkages contribute to branching.
Because Dextran is polymeric, it does not have one fixed molecular weight. Commercial materials range from low-molecular-weight fractions to much larger polymers. Documented commercial grades include approximately 4,000 Da, 40,000 Da, 70,000 Da and 100,000 Da, among others.
Dextran is used as a specialty cosmetic ingredient primarily for its polymeric and water-compatible characteristics. Depending on the grade and formulation, it can contribute to film formation, skin conditioning and formulation texture.
Its water solubility allows Dextran to be incorporated into aqueous cosmetic formulations. Molecular weight has a direct influence on solution viscosity and polymer behavior, so the appropriate grade should be selected according to the intended application.
Dextran can also be considered alongside other moisturizing and conditioning ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Polyglutamic Acid and Sodium PCA. Such combinations should be evaluated through formulation testing because polymer interactions can affect viscosity, stability and sensory properties.
Dextran can be incorporated into a variety of skin-care and personal-care formulations, including facial serums, creams, lotions, gels, masks and other water-based cosmetic products.
Low-molecular-weight Dextran grades can offer different viscosity and handling characteristics from higher-molecular-weight fractions. Higher-molecular-weight grades can provide greater polymeric contribution to formulation structure.
The material is also useful where a water-soluble polysaccharide is required as part of a formulation-support system. The exact application should be selected according to the molecular-weight grade, viscosity, purity and other quality parameters.
Molecular weight is one of the most important specifications for Dextran. Commercial Dextran fractions can be manufactured to specific molecular-weight ranges, and the designation of the grade should not be separated from its technical specification.
For example, a documented Dextran 40,000 specification reports a molecular-weight range of 35,000–45,000 Da, pH 4.0–7.0, loss on drying NMT 10% and sulfated ash NMT 2%.
A documented Dextran 70 material has a weight-average molecular-weight range of 63,000–77,000 Da, while a commercial Dextran 70 reference reports specific rotation of +170° to +200°, pH 5.0–7.0 at 60 g/L and limiting viscosity of 0.21–0.26 dL/g.
The Assay (HPLC) should not be populated with an arbitrary percentage. Dextran quality is more appropriately characterized using molecular-weight analysis such as size-exclusion chromatography/GPC, viscosity, optical rotation, moisture, ash and other grade-specific tests.
Dextran is a specialty cosmetic ingredient for manufacturers developing water-based personal-care formulations requiring a microbial polysaccharide with controlled molecular-weight characteristics.
For B2B sourcing, the selected Dextran grade should clearly specify molecular weight, source, moisture, ash, pH, viscosity, optical rotation, purity and microbiological requirements where applicable.
As a Dextran Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, the ingredient can support bulk cosmetic raw-material requirements for skin-care, personal-care and formulation-development applications.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 10.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.2% |
| pH (1% Solution) | 4.0–7.0 |