Safety Assessment of Galactomannans as Used in Cosmetics

Abstract

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed the safety of 16 galactomannans as used in cosmetics. These ingredients are legume polysaccharides that function mostly as hair/skin-conditioning agents and viscosity-increasing agents in cosmetic products. Their substantial molecular sizes suggest that skin penetration of these ingredients would be unlikely. The Panel concluded that these galactomannans are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

Safety Assessment of Microbial Polysaccharide Gums as Used in Cosmetics

“…As given in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, these 34 microbial polysaccharide gums function as emulsion stabilizers, film formers, binders, viscosityincreasing agents, and skin-conditioning agents 1 The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed other nonmicrobial gums and polysaccharides in 2012 and concluded the galactomannans, a group of 16 legume polysaccharides, are safe as used in cosmetics. 2 In 2009, the Panel reviewed the safety of hyaluronic acid, an amine-derived exopolysaccharide, finding it safe as used. 3 In 1987, the Panel concluded that tragacanth gum (now named Astragalus gummifer gum) was safe as used; the Panel reaffirmed that conclusion in 2006.…”

Chemistry, Biological Activities, and Uses of Tara Gum

“…On the other hand, chemical derivatization involves altering its structure, mainly at the hydroxyl group site, through the introduction of a substituted group or generates new functional bioactive compounds, by carboxymethylation, sulfation, hydrolyzation, alkylation, phosphorylation, and acetylation for the improvement or changing the fundamental functionalities of the parent TG [61,62]. Since the last 25 years, TG and its derivatives have been used as an adhesive, anti-static agent, skin conditioner, aqueous viscosity increasing agent in industries such as paper, packaging, food, pharma, and cosmetics [63]. Figure 4 depicts the chemical structure of derivatives of TG along with their biological activity and uses.…”

Advanced Eco-Friendly Formulations of Guar Biopolymer-Based Textile Conditioners

“…These polymers originate from the seeds of cyamopsis tetragonalobus (guar gum), a legume polysaccharide, through chemical modification by cationic or hydroxyl propyl groups. The obtained modified guar biopolymers, cationic (C-Guar) and hydroxyl propyl (HP-Guar) were selected as ‘green’ components, since they have been characterized as safe for food and personal care products [ 27 ]. C-Guar is considered to provide smoothness and conditioning to hair [ 28 , 29 ] and skin [ 27 ].…”

“…The obtained modified guar biopolymers, cationic (C-Guar) and hydroxyl propyl (HP-Guar) were selected as ‘green’ components, since they have been characterized as safe for food and personal care products [ 27 ]. C-Guar is considered to provide smoothness and conditioning to hair [ 28 , 29 ] and skin [ 27 ]. In fact, it temporarily increases the cosmetic value and function of the hair shaft until it is removed with water.…”