Development of Natural Multifunctional Cosmetic Ingredients Using a Biotechnological Approach

Abstract

Carbohydrates have a major role in the cosmetic industry due to their thickening properties and water holding capacity. Various carbohydrates like dextran, xanthan gum, carrageen and levan are presently being used in the preparation of cosmetics. Among these, levan also proved to have some immunobeneficiary properties. Carbohydrates with multi-functionality would help create ‘healthy’ cosmetics. Polysaccharides from higher basidiomycetes are attracting the attention of researchers due to their immunomodulatory properties. This project aims to develop multifunctional polysaccharides from Grifola frondosa for use in cosmetic formulations