Acemannan is a polysaccharide extracted from the inner leaf gel of Aloe vera. Its traditional use for skin health, particularly for soothing irritation and promoting healing, is well known in herbal medicine. However, there is also a modest body of scientific research validating acemannan’s role in supporting skin integrity, especially for dry or flaky skin.

Several studies indicate that acemannan enhances moisture retention in the skin by forming a protective barrier and promoting extracellular matrix production. In vitro and animal models have shown that acemannan can stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, which are important for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. Furthermore, acemannan possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce skin irritation and support the healing of minor dryness-related damage.

Despite these promising findings, most studies are either preclinical or involve small human samples. There is a lack of large, high-quality clinical trials specifically investigating acemannan for dry or flaky skin. Thus, while the ingredient’s use is partly based on tradition, there is limited but growing scientific evidence (rated 2/5) suggesting acemannan can support skin hydration and repair, justifying its inclusion in products targeting dry or flaky skin.