This natural extract is often called botanical hyaluronic acid, and it’s getting more and more popular in the skincare scene thanks to its game-changing ability to hydrate and soften: enter cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide. Briefly, the compound consists of the polysaccharides isolated from the seeds of the Cassia angustifolia, a native Indian plant that also goes by cassia senna, alexandrian senna, or Indian senna.
If you’re not familiar with polysaccharides, they’re components of the epidermis with moisturizing and water-binding properties and are responsible for the skin’s natural ability to retain water. Since hyaluronic acid is also a polysaccharide, the two have a similar molecular structure and are often comparable.
Given the above, Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide is a great moisturizer in skincare formulations that aid in reducing transepidermal water loss and consolidating the protective barrier function.[1] It provides long-lasting hydration, making the complexion appear firmer and bouncier while plumping fine lines and wrinkles. Besides, Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide acts as an emollient when applied to the skin, creating a protective film to lock in moisture, which in turn softens dry and rough patches and relieves itching. Cassia angustifolia is also a rich source of antioxidants since it contains flavonoids like quercimeritrin, scutellarein, and rutin.[2] This helps shield skin against free radicals, reducing the damage caused by environmental aggressors as well as preserving collagen levels.
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
- Ahmed SI, Hayat MQ, Tahir M, Mansoor Q, Ismail M, Keck K, Bates RB. Pharmacologically active flavonoids from the anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial extracts of Cassia angustifolia Vahl. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Nov 11;16(1):460. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1443-z. PMID: 27835979
