Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum
Humectant and skin conditioning agent
About Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum
Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum is a biotechnology-derived polysaccharide that functions as both a humectant and skin conditioning agent in K-beauty formulations. Produced through the fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis of Sclerotium rolfsii, a soil-dwelling fungus, this ingredient creates a lightweight moisture film on skin without any tacky residue. Unlike heavier gums that can feel sticky or occlusive, hydrolyzed sclerotium gum delivers hydration while maintaining a silky, breathable texture that Korean skincare enthusiasts prize. With a perfect safety rating of 5/5 and a non-comedogenic rating of 0/5, it works across all skin types without triggering breakouts or sensitivity. The ingredient has become increasingly popular in premium K-beauty toners and essences, appearing in 18 products on Seoul Sister, including top-rated formulas like DERMALINE's PDRN Solution Activating Toner (5.0/5) and Huxley's Conditioning Essence Toner (5.0/5). Its ability to enhance skin texture while supporting barrier function makes it a strategic addition to multi-step Korean routines, particularly in hydrating toner and essence steps where lightweight moisture delivery is essential. The hydrolyzed form breaks down larger polysaccharide chains into smaller molecules that penetrate more effectively, offering superior skin feel compared to non-hydrolyzed versions.
How Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum Works
At the molecular level, hydrolyzed sclerotium gum functions through its polysaccharide structure, which acts like a moisture magnet on the skin's surface. The hydrolysis process breaks beta-glucan chains into smaller fragments, creating multiple hydroxyl groups that bind water molecules through hydrogen bonding. This creates a thin, breathable hydration matrix that holds moisture against the epidermis without forming an occlusive barrier. The ingredient also demonstrates film-forming properties, meaning it creates a flexible protective layer that helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while allowing skin to breathe normally. Additionally, the polysaccharides interact with the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) to enhance overall hydration capacity. Unlike synthetic polymers, hydrolyzed sclerotium gum mimics the skin's own polysaccharide structures, which may explain why it's so well-tolerated even by sensitive skin types. The conditioning aspect comes from its ability to smooth the skin's microrelief, filling in tiny irregularities on the stratum corneum surface to create a more refined texture and improved light reflection.
Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum by Skin Type
Oily Skin
Hydrolyzed sclerotium gum is exceptionally well-suited for oily skin because it delivers hydration without adding weight or greasiness. The lightweight humectant properties provide moisture that oily skin still needs (dehydration can actually trigger more oil production), while the non-comedogenic rating of 0/5 ensures it won't clog pores or contribute to breakouts.
Dry Skin
For dry skin, this ingredient works as an effective moisture binder that helps combat flakiness and tightness without feeling heavy. It creates a protective film that reduces water loss throughout the day, and because it's often paired with richer ingredients in formulations like Aestura's EGF Skin Barrier Hydrating Cream (4.9/5), it supports comprehensive barrier repair.
Combo Skin
Combination skin benefits from hydrolyzed sclerotium gum's balanced approach to hydration, delivering moisture to dry zones without overwhelming oily areas. Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for the toner and essence steps that combination skin types rely on to achieve balanced hydration across different facial zones.
Sensitive Skin
With a perfect 5/5 safety rating, hydrolyzed sclerotium gum is gentle enough for even reactive skin types. Its bio-derived origin and similarity to skin's natural structures minimize the risk of irritation, and its soothing properties support compromised barriers, which is why it appears in calming formulas like Sungboon Editor's Green Tomato NMN Pore Hydro Soothing Toner (4.8/5).
Normal Skin
Normal skin can use hydrolyzed sclerotium gum to maintain optimal hydration levels and preserve the skin's healthy balance. It enhances the overall sensorial experience of products, contributing to that coveted bouncy, glass-skin texture that K-beauty routines aim to achieve.
How to Use Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum
- 1Layer hydrolyzed sclerotium gum products in the toner or essence step, immediately after cleansing when skin is still slightly damp to maximize humectant effectiveness
- 2Pat rather than rub products containing this ingredient to help the film-forming properties settle evenly across your skin's surface
- 3Pair with occlusive ingredients like ceramides or squalane in subsequent steps to seal in the moisture that hydrolyzed sclerotium gum attracts
- 4Use year-round as this ingredient works in both humid and dry climates, adjusting only the richness of products layered on top
- 5Apply to neck and décolletage as well, since the lightweight texture and barrier support benefits extend beyond facial skin
Background
Hydrolyzed sclerotium gum originates from Sclerotium rolfsii, a fungus first identified in soil ecosystems but later cultivated through biotechnology for cosmetic applications. The development of this ingredient represents the convergence of traditional fermentation knowledge (deeply rooted in Korean culture through food preservation) and modern skincare innovation. Korean cosmetic chemists began incorporating fermented and bio-derived polysaccharides in the early 2010s as the industry moved toward gentler, biomimetic ingredients that work with skin's natural processes rather than against them. The hydrolysis process that creates this refined version was developed to overcome the sticky texture issues of traditional sclerotium gum while maintaining its beneficial properties. This innovation reflects K-beauty's broader commitment to texture optimization, where efficacy must be paired with an elegant user experience to encourage consistent application in multi-step routines.
K-Beauty Products with Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum
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PDRN Solution Activating Toner Double Set
DERMALINE
Aepiderm EGF Skin Barrier Hydrating Cream
Aestura
D'LEXO PDRN Solution Activating Toner
DERMALINE
Green Tomato NMN Pore Hydro Soothing Toner
Sungboon Editor
Pink Guava Glutathione Blemish Serum
Begins by JUNGSAEMMOOL
No. 3 Blue Bio-Retinol Pore Refining Serum
Numbuzin
Pink Guava Glutathione Blemish Serum Refill Set
Begins by JUNGSAEMMOOL
Green Tangerine Vita C Niacinamide 10 Toning Ampoule
Goodal
Mung Bean Pore Scaling Water Set
Beplain
Balanceful Peeling Toner
Torriden
Fig Pudding Repair Cream
Aestura
Vitamin C 15% Super Blast Ampoule
Anua
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydrolyzed sclerotium gum safe for fungal acne?▼
How does hydrolyzed sclerotium gum compare to hyaluronic acid?▼
Can I use hydrolyzed sclerotium gum if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?▼
Why do expensive K-beauty toners like DERMALINE's PDRN toner use this ingredient?▼
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