{"id":19987,"date":"2026-06-11T10:50:51","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T09:50:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cosmacon.de\/?post_type=encyclopedia&#038;p=19987"},"modified":"2026-06-11T10:50:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T09:50:51","slug":"maltobionic-acid","status":"publish","type":"encyclopedia","link":"https:\/\/www.cosmacon.de\/en\/glossary\/maltobionic-acid\/","title":{"rendered":"Maltobionic acid"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Study Results<\/h2>\n<h3>Maltobionic acid improves many parameters of skin condition<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Skin firmness, elasticity, and density, as measured using a pinch test and a digital caliper, had also improved significantly compared to baseline.<\/p>\n<p>Irritation manifested as a slight feeling of tightness in the skin.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s moisture-binding capacity.<\/p>\n<h3>Maltobionic acid is suitable for the eye area<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>Maltobionic acid boosts cell turnover<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>Maltobionic acid inhibits non-enzymatic glycation<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>In vitro study confirms MMP inhibition<\/h3>\n<p>Maltobionic acid was tested at various concentrations for its efficacy against the formation of matrix metalloproteinases.<\/p>\n<p>These enzymes degrade collagen; therefore, inhibiting MMPs can protect the skin matrix and maintain the skin\u2019s healthy appearance.<\/p>\n<p>For comparison, a negative control with Clostridium and a positive control with phenanthroline were used.<\/p>\n<p>The results suggested that maltobionic acid exerts its MMP-inhibiting effect in a concentration-dependent manner, particularly at 0.1%.<\/p>\n<h3>Maltobionic acid inhibits lipid peroxidation<\/h3>\n<p>Maltobionic acid inhibits free radical-induced lipid peroxidation, which damages cell membranes and other cellular components.<\/p>\n<p>In an in vitro study, maltobionic acid at various concentrations was able to slow the formation of oxidative degradation products.<\/p>\n<p>The result suggests the antioxidant efficacy of maltobionic acid for the skin against UV-generated free radicals, oxidative stress, and light damage.<\/p>\n<h3>Maltobionic acid inhibits melaginosis<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Cosmetic Effects<\/h2>\n<p>Clinical studies and laboratory tests indicate that maltobionic acid is suitable as a cosmetic active ingredient and is characterized by the following properties:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>firming, smoothing, increases skin density<\/li>\n<li>inhibits collagen breakdown<\/li>\n<li>improves skin structure and density, makes the stratum corneum more compact<\/li>\n<li>Balances pigmentation<\/li>\n<li>Enhances skin clarity and radiance<\/li>\n<li>Reduces wrinkles<\/li>\n<li>Antioxidant<\/li>\n<li>Protects against and reduces photo-damage<\/li>\n<li>Superior to conventional moisturizers and likely also to lactobionic acid in terms of moisturizing effect<\/li>\n<li>Exfoliating effect<\/li>\n<li>Gentler than classic alpha-hydroxy acids<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Profile<\/h3>\n<p><strong>INCI:<\/strong> Maltobionic Acid<\/p>\n<p><strong>CAS No.:<\/strong> 534-92-9<\/p>\n<p><strong>Description:<\/strong> white to light yellow, solid substance, active ingredients &gt;95%<\/p>\n<p><strong>Trade name \/ Manufacturer:<\/strong> TEGO<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> RenewHA Malto ; SpecKare\u00ae MBA \/ Spec Chem Industry<\/p>\n<p><strong>Recommended usage concentration:<\/strong> 0.1 \u2013 5%<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cosmetic applications:<\/strong> Face and body care, neck and d\u00e9collet\u00e9 care, eye contour creams (3%), moisturizers. Anti-aging\/anti-wrinkle, anti-dark spot, glow products, toners, exfoliants, as a buffering agent, for pH stabilization<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Cosmacon GmbH \u2013 Your partner for innovative cosmetic development<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re considering integrating Maltobionic acid into your product line, Cosmacon GmbH is here to support you with comprehensive expertise. We develop customized formulations and guide you from the initial idea to the finished product. Together, we create effective, modern cosmetics\u2014tailored to your brand values and the needs of your target audience. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cosmacon.de\/en\/contact\/enquiry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact us<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>When speed is of the essence:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2728 Our partner <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tojocosmetics.de\/en\/produkte\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tojo Cosmetics<\/a> offers innovative, active-ingredient-rich private label products\u2014quickly available, high-quality, and perfect for brands that want to impress with passion and quality.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19988,"template":"","class_list":["post-19987","encyclopedia","type-encyclopedia","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Maltobionic Acid: Benefits for Sensitive and Aging Skin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how maltobionic acid helps improve skin texture, hydration, firmness, and radiance while providing gentle exfoliation and antioxidant protection.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cosmacon.de\/en\/glossary\/maltobionic-acid\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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