Common Name(s): L-arabinose,pectin sugar

CAS Number: 5328-37-0

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Gently conditions skin, attracts and retains moisture, provides very mild exfoliation.

Why It's Used: Natural plant-derived humectant and very gentle exfoliant in clean beauty formulations.

How It Works: Pentose sugar with multiple hydroxyl groups binds water molecules (humectant). mild acid activity from ring-opening provides very gentle surface exfoliation.

Typically Found In: Natural skincare,clean beauty products,gentle treatments

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – pentose sugar / gentle exfoliant

Secondary Functions: Humectant,natural skin conditioner

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – plant-derived

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Fermentation-derived from sugars or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: No photosensitization; no stinging; suitable for very sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – ideal for sensitive, reactive, rosacea, eczema-prone skin

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. no photosensitization. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,niacinamide,hyaluronic acid,soothing actives

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Arabinose's classification as a natural pentose sugar from plant cell walls makes it an excellent clean-beauty humectant with minimal exfoliating activity – ideal for natural formulations requiring gentle conditioning without active exfoliation.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment