What Is Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides?
Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides are long-chain sugars obtained from the freshwater alga Aphanothece sacrum, better known in Japan as Suizenji nori. For centuries the algae have been harvested as a delicacy, prized for their smooth jelly-like texture. Scientists later discovered that the gelatinous feel comes from the exopolysaccharides the algae secrete to protect themselves, and those same sugars deliver helpful cosmetic properties.
To create the cosmetic ingredient, cultivated algae are gently washed then soaked in purified water. The mixture is filtered to separate the clear polysaccharide-rich solution, which is then concentrated and dried into a fine powder without harsh solvents. The resulting material is a vegan, water-soluble polymer compatible with a wide range of skin-care formulas.
You will most often see Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides in hydrating sheet masks, soothing gels, moisturizers, lightweight anti-aging serums, eye creams and makeup primers that aim for a smooth skin finish.
Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This marine-derived sugar offers several formulating advantages:
- Absorbent – helps draw excess sebum and sweat into the formula, leaving the skin surface feeling fresher and less oily
- Emulsion Stabilising – keeps oil and water phases mixed so a cream or lotion stays uniform from the first pump to the last
- Film Forming – creates a light breathable veil on the skin that locks in moisture, smooths texture and enhances soft-focus finish
- Viscosity Controlling – thickens water-based products, giving serums body and helping masks cling evenly without dripping
Who Can Use Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides
This ingredient is considered friendly for every skin type including dry, normal, combination, oily and even sensitive skin because its film forming action is light and non occlusive. There are no known qualities that make it unsuitable for any specific skin type, though people with very reactive skin should still monitor how their skin feels when trying anything new.
Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides come from freshwater algae and are processed without animal additives which makes them appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
No data suggests any risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is applied topically in a finished cosmetic. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show new products to a qualified healthcare provider before adding them to a routine just to be safe.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daily sun protection is still important for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects or reactions to topical Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well formulated product.
- Mild redness or itching in very sensitive or allergy prone skin
- Rare allergic reaction in people with a known algae sensitivity
- Breakouts if the finished formula also contains heavy occlusive oils and is not suited to acne prone skin
- Product instability leading to irritation if the formula is contaminated or preserved incorrectly
If any discomfort swelling or persistent irritation occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0-1. Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides are large water-soluble sugars that sit lightly on the skin, forming a breathable film rather than clogging pores. They contain no oily or waxy fractions that would normally raise the risk of comedones, so the chance of congestion is extremely low.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Only if the finished product also includes heavy occlusive oils could pore blocking become an issue.
Summary
Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides act as an absorbent to mop up excess oil, an emulsion stabiliser that keeps creams homogenous, a film former that leaves a soft moisture-locking veil, and a viscosity controller that thickens watery formulas so they spread smoothly. Their long sugar chains bind water and create a flexible mesh across the skin, delivering a hydrated plush feel without heaviness.
The ingredient is still a niche star seen mainly in Japanese and K-beauty sheet masks and gel creams, though its vegan origin and gentle profile are helping it gain traction with global formulators looking for natural performance boosters.
Topical use is considered very safe with minimal irritation risk, yet skin can react unpredictably so it is smart to patch test any new product containing Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides before full application.