INCI: Biosaccharide Gum-1 - Also known as: Fucogel, Fermentation-Derived Polysaccharide, Bioferment Gum

QUICK FACTS

What is Biosaccharide Gum-1?

Biosaccharide Gum-1 (marketed as Fucogel by Solabia) is a fermentation-derived polysaccharide produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides bacteria acting on sucrose as a carbon source. The resulting molecule is a high-molecular-weight glucan polysaccharide with a specific branched structure that gives it distinctive film-forming, soothing, and microbiome-associated properties. It is distinct from the simpler polysaccharide humectants (hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan, xanthan gum) used elsewhere in the Sweet Chemistry formulas - its bioferment origin and branched molecular architecture give it a different biological interaction profile at the skin surface.

Biosaccharide Gum-1's soothing and skin comfort associations are among the most extensively documented of any bioferment-derived skincare active, with independent studies on its performance in reactive and sensitive skin contexts. Research has associated it with a more settled, less reactive-looking skin surface over consistent use - a property attributed to both its surface film-forming character and its studied interactions with surface inflammatory mediator pathways.

Its bioferment origin also gives it a character studied in connection with microbiome-friendly properties - the polysaccharide's structural similarity to compounds produced by beneficial bacteria means it may be recognized favorably by the skin's own microbial ecosystem, potentially supporting the microbiome balance that is associated with a more comfortable, settled skin surface.

What does it do for skin?

Biosaccharide Gum-1's contributions operate through three complementary studied mechanisms. First, as a film-former, it deposits a lightweight, invisible polysaccharide film on the skin's surface that is studied in connection with a more comfortable, less reactive skin feel - a physical barrier layer between the skin's surface and potential irritants that may contribute to its soothing association. Second, as a humectant with hygroscopic polysaccharide character, it contributes to surface moisture retention - adding to the combined film-forming and moisture-binding approach of beta-glucan and the four-form HA system in the same formulas. Third, its studied interaction with surface mediator pathways and its microbiome-associated character may contribute to a more settled, less reactive-appearing skin environment over consistent use.

In the context of Sweet Chemistry's multi-ingredient soothing approach (bisabolol, panthenol, allantoin, colloidal oatmeal, and Biosaccharide Gum-1), each ingredient addresses a different aspect of skin surface comfort - Biosaccharide Gum-1 contributing the bioferment film-forming and microbiome-friendly dimension that the other soothing actives do not provide.

Research with Biosaccharide Gum-1 has associated it with visible improvements in skin comfort and the appearance of redness over consistent use in subjects with reactive skin - results attributed to its film and microbiome-associated surface activity. These are cosmetic study associations rather than clinical treatment claims, and individual results will vary.

FOUND IN

In 3 Formulas

Biosaccharide Gum-1 is present in all three Sweet Chemistry water-based formulas as the bioferment film-forming and soothing member of the multi-ingredient comfort system.

Nourishment - All Skin Types

Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum Biosaccharide Gum-1 - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

The Hydra-Serum pairs Biosaccharide Gum-1 with bisabolol, panthenol, allantoin, and colloidal oatmeal as part of a five-ingredient soothing and surface comfort system within a 40%-active emulsion.

Hydration - Dry to Normal

Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream Biosaccharide Gum-1 - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

The Hydra-Cream delivers Biosaccharide Gum-1 within a 40%-active formula alongside the full soothing system, 3% Matrikynes® peptides, and the ceramide barrier complex.

Hydration - Dry to Dehydrated

Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid-Cream Biosaccharide Gum-1 - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

In the Lipid-Cream, Biosaccharide Gum-1 contributes its film-forming soothing and microbiome-associated character within the richest formula in the lineup - particularly relevant for dry skin that also presents as reactive or sensitized.

WORKS TOGETHER WITH

Chamomile Soothing Active Bisabolol

INCI: Bisabolol.

Present in all three water-based formulas as the botanical soothing member of the comfort system. Synergy Note: Bisabolol is studied in connection with surface inflammatory mediator pathways; Biosaccharide Gum-1 addresses the film-forming and microbiome dimension of surface comfort. Their combined presence covers multiple soothing mechanisms simultaneously.

Postbiotic Lactobacillus Ferment

INCI: Lactobacillus Ferment.

Present in the Hydra-Cream and Lipid-Cream alongside Biosaccharide Gum-1. Synergy Note: Lactobacillus Ferment delivers postbiotic metabolites associated with the skin microbiome environment; Biosaccharide Gum-1's microbiome-friendly polysaccharide character complements this approach. Together they address skin microbiome balance from both the metabolite and polysaccharide dimensions in the cream formulas.

Polysaccharide Humectant Beta-Glucan

INCI: Beta-Glucan.

Present in all three water-based formulas alongside Biosaccharide Gum-1. Synergy Note: Both beta-glucan and Biosaccharide Gum-1 are polysaccharide film-formers and humectants from different fermentation and botanical sources - together they contribute a layered polysaccharide surface environment with broader coverage than either provides alone.

ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides

INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract.

At 3% in all four formulas. Synergy Note: Biosaccharide Gum-1's surface film and soothing character supports a calmer, more settled skin environment associated with better conditions for the deeper dermal-targeting activity of Matrikynes® peptides.