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Maltobionic acid

Maltobionic acid is an aldonic acid derived from the oxidation of maltose. It consists of a D-glucose molecule bound to D-gluconic acid. In nature, this sugar acid is found in many plants.

In cosmetics, this polyhydroxy acid is used for its protective effects against glycation and other damaging factors, as well as to improve skin density and firmness and for its smoothing effect. It is also used for its exfoliating properties. It supports the removal of dead skin cells, promotes cell renewal, and thereby improves skin hydration, giving the skin a radiant glow and plumpness. It causes less irritation than conventional AHAs.

Like lactobionic acid, it is suitable for sensitive and dry skin thanks to its highly moisturizing effect. Its effects have been confirmed in several clinical and laboratory studies.

 

Study Results

Maltobionic acid improves many parameters of skin condition

In a study, 28 women aged 35 to 58 applied a cream containing 8% maltobionic acid with a pH of 3.8 twice daily to their faces and three times daily to one forearm for twelve weeks.

Assessment by a trained professional on a scale of 0 to 10 revealed statistically significant improvements after 6 and 12 weeks regarding skin clarity, reduction in skin roughness, fine lines, wrinkles, and pore size.

Skin firmness, elasticity, and density, as measured using a pinch test and a digital caliper, had also improved significantly compared to baseline.

Irritation manifested as a slight feeling of tightness in the skin.

In the self-assessment, over 70% of the test participants perceived positive changes, which were also confirmed by histological findings, such as the increase in glycosaminoglycans in the dermis, which correlates with the skin’s moisture-binding capacity.

Maltobionic acid is suitable for the eye area

A study investigated the effect of an eye cream containing 3% maltobionic acid. The test participants, aged 40 to 60, applied the cream twice daily to both sides of the eyes and under the eyes. After four weeks, 97% of the women rated the cream as mild and non-irritating. 81% noted that it had reduced fine lines around the eyes. 97% confirmed improved skin hydration, a refined skin texture, a more even skin tone, and an increase in radiance. After just two weeks, the eye area appeared rejuvenated.

Maltobionic acid boosts cell turnover

Two creams with concentrations of 8% glycolic acid and 8% maltobionic acid, respectively, each achieved a cell renewal rate of 82% in clinical use, with maltobionic acid proving to be better tolerated. It is therefore an ideal gentle anti-aging ingredient.

Maltobionic acid inhibits non-enzymatic glycation

Protein glycation plays a significant role in skin aging. It is triggered by a non-enzymatic reaction between a reducing sugar and primary amino groups on proteins, such as collagen, and leads to the gradual breakdown of collagen due to cross-linking, which causes the skin to become stiff.

Maltobionic acid was able to inhibit glycation of serum albumin in vitro. A concentration of 0.1 to 0.5% proved to be statistically significant and similarly effective as the positive control group with aminoguanidine.

In vitro study confirms MMP inhibition

Maltobionic acid was tested at various concentrations for its efficacy against the formation of matrix metalloproteinases.

These enzymes degrade collagen; therefore, inhibiting MMPs can protect the skin matrix and maintain the skin’s healthy appearance.

For comparison, a negative control with Clostridium and a positive control with phenanthroline were used.

The results suggested that maltobionic acid exerts its MMP-inhibiting effect in a concentration-dependent manner, particularly at 0.1%.

Maltobionic acid inhibits lipid peroxidation

Maltobionic acid inhibits free radical-induced lipid peroxidation, which damages cell membranes and other cellular components.

In an in vitro study, maltobionic acid at various concentrations was able to slow the formation of oxidative degradation products.

The result suggests the antioxidant efficacy of maltobionic acid for the skin against UV-generated free radicals, oxidative stress, and light damage.

Maltobionic acid inhibits melaginosis

This effect was demonstrated in laboratory studies on B16 melanocyte cultures. Maltobionic acid was able to reduce melanogenesis caused by melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) to a certain extent. The acid could therefore be used to reduce hyperpigmentation and pigmentation irregularities.

 

Cosmetic Effects

Clinical studies and laboratory tests indicate that maltobionic acid is suitable as a cosmetic active ingredient and is characterized by the following properties:

  • firming, smoothing, increases skin density
  • inhibits collagen breakdown
  • improves skin structure and density, makes the stratum corneum more compact
  • Balances pigmentation
  • Enhances skin clarity and radiance
  • Reduces wrinkles
  • Antioxidant
  • Protects against and reduces photo-damage
  • Superior to conventional moisturizers and likely also to lactobionic acid in terms of moisturizing effect
  • Exfoliating effect
  • Gentler than classic alpha-hydroxy acids

 

Profile

INCI: Maltobionic Acid

CAS No.: 534-92-9

Description: white to light yellow, solid substance, active ingredients >95%

Trade name / Manufacturer: TEGO® RenewHA Malto ; SpecKare® MBA / Spec Chem Industry

Recommended usage concentration: 0.1 – 5%

Cosmetic applications: Face and body care, neck and décolleté care, eye contour creams (3%), moisturizers. Anti-aging/anti-wrinkle, anti-dark spot, glow products, toners, exfoliants, as a buffering agent, for pH stabilization

 

Conclusion

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