Safety & Quality
At Chitosan Global, safety and quality are at the heart of every ingredient we highlight. For 3–5 kDa chito-oligosaccharide (COS), both laboratory results and manufacturing standards provide confidence in its use as a cosmetic active.
Phototoxicity & Biocompatibility
One of the most important questions for any cosmetic ingredient is: does it harm skin cells under light exposure?
In laboratory tests with human dermal fibroblasts, COS was exposed to UVA radiation at 6 J/cm².
Result: COS showed no phototoxicity at the tested concentrations.
As a comparison, retinoic acid displayed phototoxic effects at 2 µM in the same model.
This means COS can be used in product development without triggering light-induced toxicity, an important safety advantage over some conventional actives.
In addition, COS in the 3–5 kDa molecular weight range is:
Water-soluble – easy to formulate in mild, skin-friendly bases.
Biocompatible – interacts naturally with skin cells without toxic effects.
Well-tolerated – does not disrupt fibroblast structure or viability under stress.
Certified Quality Systems
At Chitosan Global, we take quality assurance seriously. While COS is a research-based ingredient and not a drug or FDA-approved therapy, we emphasize the importance of sourcing and producing under internationally recognized standards.
Typical quality system certifications include:
ISO 9001 – for quality management.
FSSC 22000 – for food safety and traceability in production.
FDA-registered facilities – meaning the site operates under FDA’s inspection and registration system (not that the ingredient itself is “FDA approved”).
➡ Safe Wording for Cosmetic Use:
“Manufactured under ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certified quality systems in FDA-registered facilities.”
This phrasing makes it clear the ingredient is made under strict standards, without making medical claims.
Our Commitment
At Chitosan Global, we work to ensure that every ingredient we present to our clients and partners meets the highest levels of safety, consistency, and compliance. COS reflects this commitment — demonstrating no phototoxicity in laboratory testing and produced under globally recognized quality frameworks.
Compliance Reminder
This information is provided for cosmetic research and development. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All data reflect in-vitro results and certified production systems at the facility level.