Common Name(s): Hydrolyzed sodium chondroitin sulfate,hydrolyzed sodium chondroitin sulfate,polysaccharide hydrolysate,low-mw prebiotic active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides improved sc penetration of the polysaccharide active from reduced mw, prebiotic selective fermentation by skin microbiome beneficial organisms, and biological receptor signalling from the oligosaccharide fragments.
Why It's Used: Polysaccharide hydrolysis converts the native high-mw film-forming polymer into low-mw fragments with biological receptor activity — ha disaccharide fragments activate cd44 differently from high-mw ha; chondroitin disaccharides activate tlr2 for anti-inflammatory signalling.
How It Works: Controlled enzymatic hydrolysis (specific glycanase, e.g. hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, pectinase) → specific oligosaccharide fragment size distribution. low-mw ha (~4 disaccharides, ~1.5 kda): activates tlr2/cd44 → inflammation resolution. low-mw beta-glucan: dectin-1 activation → trained immunity. oligosaccharide prebiotic activity from selective fermentation by glycosidase-expressing commensals.
Typically Found In: Microbiome skin care,barrier repair,hydration
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – humectant
Secondary Functions: Moisture retention,hydration
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: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced. [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: Non-irritating; suitable for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,barrier actives
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Hydrolysis degree determines biological outcome — optimal fragment size is substrate-specific: ha oligosaccharides <20 disaccharides for tlr2 activation; beta-glucan oligomers >6 glucose units for dectin-1; chondroitin disaccharides for minimum tlr2 unit.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,hydrolyzed sodium chondroitin sulfate polysaccharide hydrolysate prebiotic review