What Is Levan?
Levan is a natural sugar polymer made of many fructose units joined together. It forms when a special enzyme called levansucrase acts on ordinary table sugar, or sucrose. Manufacturers usually grow friendly bacteria in a sugar-rich solution, let the enzyme turn the sucrose into levan, then filter, wash and dry the product into a soft powder ready for cosmetic use.
Scientists first noted levan in the early 1900s while studying plant sap and certain bacteria. Its smooth feel and ability to keep water on the skin soon caught the attention of the beauty industry. Today it appears in face masks, light serums, daily moisturizers, anti-aging creams, soothing after-sun gels and even some hair conditioners.
Levan’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin care formulas levan plays two key roles that improve how a product feels and performs.
- Film forming – Once applied levan creates a thin invisible layer on the skin that locks in moisture, smooths roughness and gives a soft touch finish. This film can also help other active ingredients stay in place longer.
- Skin protecting – The gentle film shields the surface from dryness, pollution and minor irritants, which supports a calm well-hydrated complexion.
Who Can Use Levan
Levan is considered gentle and works well for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and sensitive skin thanks to its lightweight moisture film and soothing feel. Oily and acne-prone users can also tolerate it since it does not add oil or heavy waxes, though very few people with extremely reactive skin could notice a tacky sensation if a formula contains high levels.
Because levan is produced by fermenting plant-derived sucrose with bacteria, it contains no animal-derived components, making it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Current research shows no specific risks linked to topical levan for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new skincare products.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays nicely with most common actives such as niacinamide, peptides and gentle exfoliating acids, giving formulators flexibility.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical levan can differ from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential reactions and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Mild redness or irritation
- Temporary stinging on very compromised skin
- Rare allergy to fructose-based polysaccharides leading to itching or small hives
If you experience any discomfort or visible reaction stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1 out of 5. Levan is a water-soluble polysaccharide that leaves a light, breathable film rather than an oily residue, meaning it has little chance of clogging pores. Its large molecular size keeps it on the skin surface instead of seeping into follicles where breakouts start. Because it neither adds oil nor traps excess sebum, it is generally suitable for acne-prone or easily congested skin. Only formulas that combine high percentages of levan with heavy oils could nudge the rating higher, but this is uncommon.
Summary
Levan acts mainly as a film former and skin-protecting agent. Once applied it binds water and creates a thin veil that smooths texture, reduces transepidermal water loss and shields against daily environmental stress. While its benefits are solid, levan is still a niche ingredient compared with better-known hydrators like hyaluronic acid, so you will mostly spot it in innovative or specialty formulas rather than every drugstore shelf.
Topical use is considered very safe, with only rare reports of mild irritation or allergy. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a product first to confirm personal compatibility.