Galactoarabinan

This ingredient is also known as arabinogalactan. It is a polysaccharide extracted from North American larch trees. It is a film-forming agent that helps enhance skin hydration and improves the texture of products.

Once applied, galactoarabinan forms a lightweight and breathable film on the skin. This helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) without adding a greasy finish.

It is also used to boost the efficacy of exfoliating actives like AHAs by improving skin feel and reducing irritation potential.

Studies show this ingredient supports hydration through two actions:

1) Limiting water evaporation
2) Enhancing the spreadability of emulsion products to disperse humectants and emollients across the skin's surface

Additionally, galactoarabinan can improve makeup wear and reduce "tightness" after cleansing.