Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Prebiotic oligosaccharide that supports the skin microbiome balance. Boosts beneficial flora growth and suppresses pathogens.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Manufacturer Solabia publishes studies showing improved beneficial-to-pathogenic flora ratios. Independent large-scale work remains limited.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide is a prebiotic polysaccharide. Produced from maltodextrin and sucrose using α-glucosyltransferase. Marketing name – BioEcolia (Solabia). Mechanism. Selectively feeds beneficial skin microbiota – S. epidermidis, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli. Simultaneously suppresses growth of pathogens – S. aureus, C. acnes, Malassezia. Restores skin microbiome balance in dysbiosis (atopy, acne, rosacea, post-antibiotic skin). Where applied. Serums and creams with prebiotic positioning (1–4%), products for problem skin, post-antibiotic recovery, atopic-skin creams for children. Brands: Sesderma Acglicolic, La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair, Avène Tolerance Control, Bioderma Sensibio. Evidence base. Krutmann 2009 (manufacturer in vitro study) showed 2–3-fold increase in S. epidermidis colonies and simultaneous suppression of S. aureus. Direct clinical RCTs with skin endpoints (SCORAD, IGA, acne outcomes) are scarce. Modest effect with a plausible mechanism. Safety. CIR confirmed safety at cosmetic concentrations. Hypoallergenic, non-irritating, non-comedogenic. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage. Particularly suitable for. Sensitive skin, mild atopic dermatitis, rosacea, post-antibiotic recovery, acne in remission. Not a replacement for standard care – an add-on.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide safe during pregnancy?
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide for?
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide and what does it do in cosmetics?
Prebiotic oligosaccharide that supports the skin microbiome balance.
What's the INCI name for Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide?
The INCI name is Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide.
See Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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