This natural extract is often called botanical hyaluronic acid and has an impressive ability to hydrate and soften the skin. Case in point: cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide. As you may have guessed, it’s the polysaccharides isolated from the seeds of Cassia angustifolia—a native Indian plant, often called Senna.
If you’re not familiar with polysaccharides, they’re compounds made up of multiple sugar molecules. They are naturally found in the outer skin layer and have water-binding properties responsible for the skin’s ability to retain water. Essentially, polysaccharides function as humectants to draw moisture from the atmosphere. They work the same way as hyaluronic acid and have a similar molecular structure.
It’s true that hyaluronic acid has a much higher water-binding capacity. However, polysaccharides go a step further by creating a protective film on the skin’s surface. They’re emollients, and so they lock in moisture and reduce water loss.
Polysaccharides actually have an important role in controlling transepidermal water loss and maintaining the protective barrier function integer.[1]
Unlike hyaluronic acid, which solely attracts water into the skin, Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide also locks in that water. This makes them mainly beneficial in the winter or dry climates when the air lacks moisture, and hyaluronic acid tends to dehydrate the skin by pulling water from the deeper layers.
Products with Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide
- Allies of Skin Multi Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum
- Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Night Cream
- PCA Skin C-Quench Antioxidant Serum
- Paula’s Choice Super Hydrate Mask
References
- Maia Campos P.M.B.G., de Melo M.O., de Camargo Junior F.B. (2014) Effects of Polysaccharide-Based Formulations on Human Skin. In: Ramawat K., Mérillon JM. (eds) Polysaccharides. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03751-6_64-1
