Common Name(s): Heparin,heparin,anticoagulant glycosaminoglycan,pharmaceutical drug — cosmetic restricted

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides gag skin conditioning and anti-inflammatory activity from the sulfated polysaccharide but classified as a drug in most markets due to the anticoagulant thrombin-inhibition activity at cosmetically relevant concentrations.

Why It's Used: Heparin crosses the cosmetic/drug boundary because its primary pharmacological mechanism (anticoagulation through at-iii binding) is a drug effect, not a cosmetic effect — even topically applied heparin can have systemic anticoagulant effects from sc absorption.

How It Works: Heparin's pentasaccharide sequence binds antithrombin iii (at-iii) with kd ~200 nm → at-iii conformational change → 1000× increased thrombin and factor xa inhibition → anticoagulation. the cosmetic-drug distinction depends on concentration and application area — verify regulatory status in target market before formulation.

Typically Found In: Wound care,anti-inflammatory — check regulatory

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: Verify regulatory status

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Non-anticoagulant gag alternatives: sodium heparosan (ha precursor, no anticoagulant activity), low-mw ha, or chondroitin sulfate provide the same cosmetic gag skin conditioning without anticoagulant drug activity or regulatory complexity.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Eu regulation 1223/2009,local pharmaceutical regulations,heparin cosmetic drug boundary review