Levan
AKA “Polyfructosan, bacterial polysaccharide”
Ingredient
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Ingredient Facts
Levan
AKA: Polyfructosan, Bacterial polysaccharide
Ingredient · Film Forming · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Occlusive
Barrier Support
Not Clean
Levan is polyfructose produced by enzymatic action on sucrose
CAS #
9013-95-0
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Skin Protecting
Helps rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier — the invisible shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Essential after over-exfoliating or harsh weather.
Nourishes & Protects
Traditional Use
A polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, developed in the 20th century. Used in cosmetics as a thickening and film-forming agent to provide texture and moisture retention.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Ethylhexylglycerin: a low-risk, but highly relevant, sensitizer in 'hypo-allergenic' cosmetics.
Aerts O, Verhulst L, Goossens A
Contact dermatitis, 2016
Levan
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Formaldehyde-releasers in cosmetics: relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy. Part 1. Characterization, frequency and relevance of sensitization,
de Groot AC, White IR, Flyvholm MA, Lensen G, Coenraads PJ
Contact dermatitis, 2010
Hygienic relevance and risk assessment of antimicrobial-impregnated textiles.
Kramer A, Guggenbichler P, Heldt P, Jünger M, Ladwig A et al.
Current problems in dermatology, 2006
Hygienic relevance and risk assessment of antimicrobial-impregnated textiles.
Kramer A, Guggenbichler P, Heldt P, Jünger M, Ladwig A et al.
Current problems in dermatology, 2006
Palmoplantar Pustulosis as an Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Disease with a Possible Relevance of Th17 Cell Plasticity: A Narrative Review.
Terui T, Murakami M, Okubo Y, Hayama K, Fujita H
Dermatology and therapy, 2025
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR