Dextran is a branched glucose polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a hydrating film-forming agent and stabilizer that can improve texture and aid in carrying other ingredients. It is generally considered well tolerated and biocompatible.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild transient irritation or redness | Rare | Occasionally reported with topical application, usually mild and self-limiting. |
Contact allergy / hypersensitivity reaction | Very rare | Allergic responses to dextran are uncommon; documented anaphylactoid reactions relate mainly to injectable/intravenous use, not topical skincare. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.