Safety Assessment of Galactomannans as Used in Cosmetics

Int J Toxicol. 2015 Jul-Aug;34(1 Suppl):35S-65S. doi: 10.1177/1091581815586798.

Abstract

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed the safety of 16 galactomannans as used in cosmetics. These ingredients are legume polysaccharides that function mostly as hair/skin-conditioning agents and viscosity-increasing agents in cosmetic products. Their substantial molecular sizes suggest that skin penetration of these ingredients would be unlikely. The Panel concluded that these galactomannans are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

Keywords: cosmetics; galactomannans; safety.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / toxicity
  • Animals
  • Caesalpinia / toxicity*
  • Carcinogenicity Tests
  • Cassia / toxicity*
  • Consumer Product Safety*
  • Cosmetics / toxicity*
  • Galactans / toxicity*
  • Galactose / analogs & derivatives
  • Humans
  • Irritants / toxicity
  • Mannans / chemistry
  • Mannans / toxicity*
  • Plant Gums / toxicity*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Cosmetics
  • Galactans
  • Irritants
  • Mannans
  • Plant Gums
  • galactomannan
  • guar gum
  • Galactose