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Glycosaminoglycans

Learn more about glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and how you can incorporate them into your skincare routine to keep skin hydrated.


Article Overview

  • Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are long, unbranched polysaccharides in the extracellular matrix of connective tissues, known for their ability to bind water, enhancing skin hydration and plumpness.
  • SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan is a multi-functional hyaluronic acid serum that not only plumps and hydrates skin, but also stimulates skin's plumping glycosaminoglycan levels to visibly fill fines lines and define facial contours.
  • SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel contains hyaluronic acid and botanical ingredients like cucumber and thyme, which help soothe and hydrate the skin.
  • The SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator renews the skin by exfoliating and smoothing, with hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture balance.

Glycosaminoglycans, also referred to as GAGs, are long, unbranched polysaccharides that are found in the extracellular matrix of connective tissues throughout the body, including the skin. They are known for their ability to bind and hold onto water molecules, which contributes to the skin’s hydration and plumpness.

In skincare, glycosaminoglycans are often used as humectants, which means they help to attract and retain moisture from the air. They can also help to improve the skin’s barrier function and protect it from environmental damage. Some common glycosaminoglycans used in skincare include hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate.

Types of Glycosaminoglycans

There are 15 types of glycosaminoglycans that can be found in nature. However, the most common types found in human skin are:

  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Chondroitin sulfate
  • Dermatan sulfate
  • Keratan sulfate
  • Heparan sulfate

Each of these glycosaminoglycans has its unique structure and function in the skin. For example, hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent moisturizer. Chondroitin sulfate helps to protect the skin from damage by free radicals, while dermatan sulfate helps to improve the skin’s elasticity.

How do Glycosaminoglycans Work in Skin?

Proteoglycans are critical for the cell proliferation, division, and signaling required for healthy turnover. But as we age, GAGs and proteoglycans can decline, resulting in diminished overall skin quality. This decline can lead to a number of skin problems, including:

  • Dryness
  • Wrinkles
  • Fine lines
  • Loss of Volume
  • Loss of elasticity
  • Sagging skin

What Skincare Products Have Glycosaminoglycans?

Many skincare products contain glycosaminoglycans, including serums, moisturizers, and masks. Some of the most popular glycosaminoglycan-containing products include:

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HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan

HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan: This multi-functional corrective serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It also contains proxylane™, a patented molecule derived from beech trees that helps to support the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels, as well as other ingredients that help stimulate glycan levels in the skin. HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan has been clinically proven to amplify the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels by 30%, and visibly plumps skin while filling fine lines, defining facial contours and providing a 24-hour hydration boost.


Product Image 1

Phyto Corrective Gel

This gel contains hyaluronic acid, cucumber, thyme, and other botanical ingredients to help soothe and hydrate the skin.


Product Image 1

Retexturing Activator

This serum contains hyaluronic acid and helps exfoliate and smooth the skin.


To discover the best glycosaminoglycan-containing skincare products for your skin type and concerns, use our online Routine Finder, visit one of our SkinCeuticals SkinLab locations, or schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals Skincare Professional for a one-on-one consultation.

Next: Hyaluronic Acid Myths



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About Gretchen Wobensmith

Gretchen Wobensmith is a licensed aesthetician with 27 years of experience. She has been training professionally for large global brands for the last 20 years. Gretchen brings her skill set of having a deep understanding of skin histology and ingredient technology to the SkinCeuticals Global Education Team as their Product Lead. Gretchen shares her passion for mentoring skin care professionals, to elevate their knowledge and skill set in the medical skin care industry.

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