Common Name(s): Abyssine,deep sea eps,marine alteromonas extract
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides deep sea bacterial exopolysaccharide anti-irritant and barrier strengthening for sensitive skin.
Why It's Used: Clinical-evidence marine anti-irritant — alteromonas ferment eps (commercialised as abyssine) has clinical rct evidence for reducing skin reactivity and irritation in sensitive skin populations.
How It Works: Exopolysaccharides (mannan-based) from deep sea bacteria (3500m depth, extremophile) provide strong water binding and barrier film formation. reduces corneocyte desquamation rate (barrier integrity marker). inhibits cgrp and substance p neurogenic inflammatory signalling. rct evidence for sensitive skin reactivity reduction.
Typically Found In: Sensitive skin products,anti-reactivity serums,marine skincare
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – deep sea bacteria exopolysaccharide
Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes – marine bacterial fermentation
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Alteromonas ferment's deep sea origin (3500m depth, 2°c, high pressure) means these bacteria evolved exopolysaccharides for extreme cold and pressure adaptation. the same eps structural features that protect bacteria from deep sea mechanical pressure (high molecular weight, branched polymer chains) provide mechanical barrier film properties when applied topically — borrowed bacterial adaptation for cosmetic skin protection.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,mojsoska et al. alteromonas eps review