What Are Hydrolyzed Mucopolysaccharides?

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By Sabrina Perkins · Updated November 23, 2015

As we become more aware of what we ingest and apply to our bodies, we are learning about the formulations that are used to create our favorite items. It is a great way to determine what works best for our skin and hair. The more you know what works for your curls the less you fight your hair.

One of the most popular ingredients for products that claim to strengthen your hair is protein. We often see hydrolyzed proteins but when something like hydrolyzed mucopolysaccharides come along we can become overwhelmed with understanding what it means. For one we may recognize the polysaccharides and realize it has something to do with sugar. Aside from that, what exactly is hydrolyzed mucopolysaccharides and what is it doing in your hair products?

What are hydrolyzed mucopolysaccharides?

First, let’s break each component down to determine what it is and why it is in some of your hair products:

Hydrolyze: the process of hydrolyzing is an ingredient being decomposed by reacting with water.

Mucopolysaccharides: natural skin component, which are long chains of sugar molecules often found the mucus and fluid around joints. They are also known as glycosaminoglycans. –Medline Plus

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Hydrolyzed mucopolysaccharides are a skin-hydrating ingredient that helps to decrease transepidermal water loss because of its strong water-binding properties. This is most beneficial for skin, as this ingredient will bind water and other cellular elements to form a matrix that holds skin cells together, creating a more supple and former texture. Mucopolysaccharides are often called “the glue of life” as they are long carbohydrate chains of sulfated amino sugars that are found at the base or roots of the evolutionary tree of all animal life. They are an integral part of the structural integrity of bone, cartilage, and elastic tissue while also aiding in modulating the viscosity of bodily fluids.

Why are hydrolyzed mucopolysaccharides important in hair products?

As you can probably guess, any ingredient that is willing to bind water to your skin and hair is a great moisturizer. Mucopolysaccharides are high in our body tissues in our youth but lessen as we age. And while it maintains flexibility of our arteries, it also preserves the elasticity of our skin (scalp included”> and retains moisture. This ingredient is easily absorbed into the scalp and adds the necessary moisture to keep the scalp from dryness and moisture loss. Suffering from a dry scalp? Check out these products.