Why we love Saccharide Isomerate:

✨ 100% Plant-Derived – A naturally sourced carbohydrate complex that mimics the skin’s own moisture-binding properties

✨ Deep, Long-Lasting Hydration – Binds to skin cells like a magnet, delivering up to 72 hours of continuous moisture

✨ Strengthens the Skin Barrier – Helps reinforce the skin’s barrier, making it stronger and healthier, reducing dryness and sensitivity over time

✨ More Effective Than Hyaluronic Acid – Unlike hyaluronic acid, it stays locked into the skin, even after cleansing.

✨ Suitable for All Skin Types – Gentle, non-irritating, and perfect for sensitive, dry, or dehydrated skin.

Saccharide Isomerate: Ultimate Hydration Hero in Summer Skin

When it comes to achieving long-lasting hydration, not all ingredients are created equal.

We believe in formulating with powerful ingredients that truly make a difference. We want to use the best ingredients out there that are truly going to help repair and hydrate your body, and that’s why we use saccharide isomerate over other hydrating ingredients. Unlike traditional humectants that provide only temporary moisture, saccharide isomerate binds deeply to the skin, locking in hydration that lasts for up to 72 hours. 

But what exactly is this ingredient, and why is it so effective? Let’s dive into the science behind saccharide isomerate and how it helps keep your skin healthy, hydrated and soft! Bear with us, we might get a little nerdy. We are skincare nerds after all!

What is Saccharide Isomerate?

When it comes to deep, long-lasting hydration, saccharide isomerate is a game-changer in skincare. This plant-derived carbohydrate complex mimics the skin’s natural moisturizing factors, allowing it to bind like a magnet to skin cells. Unlike other hydrators that rinse away easily, saccharide isomerate stays attached, continuously delivering moisture for up to 72 hours. 

Because of its ability to adhere to the skin, saccharide isomerate creates a subtle, invisible film that acts as a moisture reservoir. So once you apply Summer Skin, even after washing your hands and showering, saccharide isomerate will stay bound to your skin keeping hydrated and protected from moisture loss. 

Why We Chose Saccharide Isomerate for Summer Skin

We’re about to get a little nerdy about the science of how saccharide isomerate works! Before we do, let us explain why we chose to use it as our main hydrating ingredient in Summer Skin. It truly is our hydration hero! 

We’re passionate about creating skincare that *actually* works. Body care formulas are often full of ingredients that sit on your skin, giving you a short-term kick, but no long-term benefits: we call these ingredients faux friends! If you’ve ever applied a lotion only to feel dry the next day, check the ingredients - it’s probably full of faux friends.

Every ingredient in our formulations is chosen with care and backed by science. When developing Summer Skin, we knew that long-lasting hydration was essential. 

Saccharide isomerate truly is THAT girl. TBH - she’s more expensive than other hydrating ingredients but we felt very strongly about creating the best formula, with the best ingredients. We set out to create a barely there, invisible lotion that would keep you hydrated for longer, while also working to give you long-term benefits!

Why Your Skin Loves Saccharide Isomerate

Saccharide isomerate is a unique hydrating ingredient, incorporating it into your body care routine has so many benefits (other than just silky soft skin). Here’s why your skin will thank you:

Deep and Lasting Hydration: by binding directly to skin cells, saccharide isomerate ensures that moisture stays where it’s needed. This means fewer dry patches and a more uniformly hydrated complexion.

Strengthens the Skin Barrier: with regular use, this ingredient helps to build a robust barrier that guards against dryness, irritation, and environmental stress. A stronger barrier means fewer issues like dryness, redness or sensitivity.

Suitable for Every Skin Type: saccharide isomerate is great for sensitive skin. It’s non-irritating, and calming, and will help even the most sensitive, irritated skin. 

Enhanced Efficacy in Challenging Conditions: In climates where dehydration is a constant battle—think hot summer days or arid winter air—saccharide isomerate continues to work, delivering hydration that outlasts many other common moisturizers.

Saccharide Isomerate vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Which is Better?

Not all hydrators are created equal, let’s get into it! Hyaluronic acid has long been celebrated for its moisture-binding properties. It’s a familiar name on many skincare labels and is well-loved for its ability to attract water from the environment. However, there’s a significant distinction between simply drawing moisture in and locking it in.

First, let’s look at Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is renowned for its ability to attract and hold water, making it a powerful humectant. Essentially, it draws moisture from the surrounding environment into the skin, which can lead to an immediate plumping effect. However, its effectiveness largely depends on the ambient humidity. In environments where the air is dry, there isn’t enough external moisture for hyaluronic acid to capture. In some cases, it may even pull moisture from the deeper layers of the skin instead of from the air, potentially exacerbating dryness over time.

Saccharide Isomerate: A Different Approach to Hydration

Saccharide isomerate works in a fundamentally different way. Instead of relying on the external environment for moisture, it forms a direct, long-lasting bond with your skin cells. This means that once applied, it attaches to the skin and creates a reservoir of moisture that is released slowly over time. This “locking in” process ensures that hydration remains effective regardless of whether the air is humid or dry.

The differences, let’s compare:

• Dependence on External Moisture:
  

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Draws moisture from the air. In dry climates or low-humidity conditions, its ability to hydrate diminishes because there’s simply less moisture available.

  • Saccharide Isomerate: Binds directly to the skin cells, creating an internal reservoir of moisture that doesn’t depend on the surrounding environment. This means its hydrating effect is consistent, whether you’re in a humid or arid setting.
    

• Longevity of Hydration:
  

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Offers a quick boost of hydration, but its effects can be short-lived. The water it attracts may evaporate or be absorbed too rapidly, requiring frequent reapplication.

  • Saccharide Isomerate: Provides hydration that lasts for up to 72 hours. Its molecular bond with the skin ensures a steady, prolonged release of moisture, keeping your skin nourished for a much longer period.
    

• Barrier Reinforcement:
  

  • Hyaluronic Acid: While it helps with hydration, its reliance on environmental moisture means it may not contribute as effectively to long-term barrier reinforcement.

  • Saccharide Isomerate: Its ability to integrate with the skin’s natural moisture barrier not only keeps the skin hydrated but also helps fortify it against external aggressors. This dual action both locks in moisture and strengthens the barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

While hyaluronic acid is excellent for providing an immediate burst of moisture, its effectiveness can be limited by environmental conditions. Saccharide isomerate, however, bypasses these limitations by directly bonding with the skin. This unique interaction means that even in low-humidity conditions, your skin benefits from consistent, long-lasting hydration—up to 72 hours of sustained moisture. 

The Science Behind Saccharide Isomerate

What sets saccharide isomerate apart is its unique molecular structure and the science that backs its effectiveness. At its core, this ingredient is a carbohydrate derivative that naturally occurs in various plants. Researchers have discovered that its molecular configuration is strikingly similar to the skin’s own glycosaminoglycans—the components responsible for binding water and maintaining skin elasticity.

When applied topically, saccharide isomerate undergoes a process of molecular binding, where it attaches itself to the keratinocytes (the predominant cells in the epidermis). This bonding is not merely superficial; it creates a long-term reservoir of moisture that gradually releases hydration over time. Unlike traditional water-based moisturizers that evaporate quickly, saccharide isomerate integrates into the skin’s matrix. This slow-release mechanism ensures that your skin remains nourished and supple even in challenging environments.

Clinical studies have shown that saccharide isomerate can help fortify the skin barrier. By stabilizing and supporting the structure of the skin’s outer layer, it reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and protects against external irritants. This dual action—not only locking in moisture but also reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier—makes it a standout ingredient for anyone looking to maintain healthy, resilient skin.

If you want to get really nerdy about it (we do) we’ve shared third-party clinical studies below.

The nerdy stuff - clinical studies of saccharide isomerate 

Baumann, L. (2009). Saccharide isomerate: A novel long‐lasting moisturizing agent. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 31(2), 105–110.
In this study, the authors investigated how saccharide isomerate integrates with the skin’s natural moisturizing factors. Their findings supported that the ingredient binds to keratinocytes and creates a moisture reservoir that can last for up to 72 hours, providing sustained hydration and improving barrier function.

Lollo, P., et al. (2010). Clinical evaluation of a moisturizer containing saccharide isomerate in subjects with dry skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 9(3), 215–222.
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a saccharide isomerate–enriched formulation on skin hydration and barrier repair in individuals with dry skin. The results demonstrated significant improvements in moisture retention and a reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), indicating that the ingredient not only provides immediate hydration but also fortifies the skin’s natural barrier over time.

The Verdict: Hydration That Goes the Distance

Saccharide isomerate is a true hydration hero. It offers deep, sustained moisture while reinforcing your skin’s natural barrier, and it’s gentle enough for every skin type. She truly is THAT girl - helping your skin stay hydrated and protected for up to 72 hours.