Levan is a natural-origin polysaccharide used as a functional cosmetic ingredient in skin-care and personal-care formulations. It is a fructose-based biopolymer belonging to the fructan family and is produced naturally by certain microorganisms through enzymatic conversion of sucrose.
In cosmetic formulations, Levan is primarily recognised for its film-forming and skin-protecting properties. It can form a continuous film on the skin surface and can contribute to the protective characteristics of cosmetic formulations. COSMILE Europe identifies Levan as a film-forming and skin-protecting cosmetic ingredient.
Levan is a microbial polysaccharide composed predominantly of fructose units linked through β-(2→6) glycosidic bonds, with branching possible through β-(2→1) linkages. Its polymeric structure provides useful film-forming characteristics for cosmetic applications.
Levan is different from conventional synthetic acrylic polymers because it is a biologically produced polysaccharide. Its functionality can vary according to molecular weight, branching, production process and purification.
Film forming is one of the recognised cosmetic functions of Levan. It can produce a continuous film over the skin, hair or nails after application.
This property makes Levan suitable for cosmetic formulations where a surface film and improved skin feel are desired.
Levan is also recognised as a skin-protecting ingredient. It can contribute to the protective properties of a cosmetic formulation by forming a polymeric layer over the skin surface.
The actual performance depends on concentration, molecular characteristics, formulation composition and application conditions.
Levan can be evaluated in skin-care formulations such as creams, lotions, serums, gels and other leave-on cosmetic products.
Its film-forming characteristics make it useful when formulators want a lightweight polymeric layer on the skin.
Levan can be incorporated into moisturising formulations together with humectants, emollients, botanical ingredients and other cosmetic polymers.
The finished formulation should be evaluated for sensory characteristics, film formation, compatibility and stability.
Levan can be used in facial serums and lightweight skin-care formulations where film formation and skin protection are desired.
Its concentration should be optimised according to the required sensory profile and formulation viscosity.
Levan can be incorporated into creams and lotions as a functional polysaccharide. It can contribute to the surface characteristics and overall sensory performance of the finished formulation.
Compatibility with emulsifiers, electrolytes, preservatives and other polymers should be assessed during formulation development.
The polymeric nature of Levan allows it to be evaluated in aqueous and gel-based formulations. The final viscosity and rheology depend on polymer concentration, molecular weight, branching and formulation conditions.
Levan is a fructan polysaccharide. Its main structural component is fructose, and the polymer is generally characterised by β-(2→6)-linked fructofuranosyl units with possible β-(2→1) branching.
Because Levan is a polymer rather than a single low-molecular-weight molecule, parameters such as molecular weight and degree of branching can vary between grades.
Levan can be produced through microbial or enzymatic processes involving microorganisms capable of converting sucrose into fructan polymers. Commercial properties depend on the production organism, fermentation conditions, purification process and drying method.
Formulators should evaluate:
Commercial specifications should always be confirmed using the current supplier TDS and COA.
Levan can be evaluated in:
Levan is a fructose-based polysaccharide and microbial fructan used as a cosmetic ingredient. In cosmetics, it is recognised primarily for film-forming and skin-protecting functions.
The INCI name is Levan.
A universally verified CAS number specifically corresponding to the cosmetic INCI Levan could not be established from the authoritative cosmetic record checked. Therefore, an unverified CAS number should not be published.
Levan is recognised for film-forming and skin-protecting functions.
Yes. Levan is a fructan polysaccharide primarily composed of fructose units.
Levan can be produced biologically by microorganisms and is therefore commonly described as a bio-based or naturally derived polysaccharide. The exact origin of a commercial cosmetic grade depends on its manufacturing process.
Yes. Levan is listed as a cosmetic ingredient for skin-care applications and is recognised as a film-forming and skin-protecting ingredient.
Yes. It can be evaluated in creams, serums, lotions and other leave-on formulations where film-forming functionality is desired.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |