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APHANOTHECE SACRUM POWDER.

Valuable / ANTIOXIDANT, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN PROTECTING

A rare, high-performance polysaccharide derived from Japanese freshwater algae, prized for its extraordinary ability to form a breathable, protective moisture shield. Often referred to as Sacran, it offers hydration capabilities that significantly outperform traditional hyaluronic acid while providing biological soothing effects.

Humectant Film Former Anti-inflammatory Barrier Repair Skin Protectant

Science

This high-molecular-weight sulfated polysaccharide functions as a superior humectant and film-former. It creates a physical, water-retaining gel lattice on the skin's surface capable of sequestering 6000 times its weight in water. Beyond surface hydration, it acts as a molecular shield against environmental pollutants and mitigates inflammatory responses by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 0.01–0.5%
Optimal

0.2%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical evaluation on Asian volunteers demonstrated that a 0.2% concentration increased skin elasticity by 33% and significantly lowered TEWL compared to hyaluronic acid controls.
  2. 02 A 4-week study on atopic dermatitis subjects using 0.05% reported a marked reduction in itching and improved sleep quality due to symptom relief.
  3. 03 In vivo modeling at 0.01-0.05% showed potent anti-inflammatory action through the inhibition of COX-2 mRNA expression and neutrophil infiltration.

Transparency

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.05%
Red flag below
0.01%

Because Sacran is effective at remarkably low concentrations (as low as 0.01% for anti-inflammatory benefits), it is frequently included at 'label-only' levels. For measurable improvements in skin elasticity and barrier function, levels closer to 0.2% are required.


The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4 – 10
0 7 14

Stability

Highly heat stable and resilient in the presence of electrolytes and alcohols up to 50%. It can form liquid crystalline structures when paired with polyols like glycerin.

Synergies

  • Glycerin
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Panthenol

Conflicts

  • Polysorbates

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Reviewed and confirmed safe by the CIR under the Polysaccharide Gums group. No known systemic toxicity or irritation concerns.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Valuable

An elite botanical humectant that provides unparalleled water retention and biological calming effects for compromised or aging skin barriers.


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