Intelligence · Ingredients

The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.

Pullulan

aka alpha-1,6;alpha-1,4-glucan · pullulane · fungal polysaccharide

A polysaccharide produced by Aureobasidium pullulans fermentation used in mascara and hair formulas for film-forming and temporary tightening function.

Benefits
  • Film-forming — creates flexible, breathable films on lashes and skin
  • Temporary skin-tightening via film contraction on drying
  • Stabilises mascara and serum formulations
  • Humectant at higher concentrations
  • Biocompatible and biodegradable
Example uses
  • Mascaras
  • Lash-lengthening formulas
  • Instant firming serums
  • Hair styling products
  • Temporary tightening eye treatments
Formulation notes

Water-soluble; forms clear, flexible films on drying. pH stable. Compatible with most cosmetic ingredients. Effective film-former at 1–5%.

Watchouts

No skin-active benefits beyond film-forming and temporary physical effect. Temporary tightening is a physical, not biological, mechanism.

Clean beauty perception

Accepted in clean beauty as a natural fermentation-derived polysaccharide. EWG rating 1.