The Science Behind Chitosan
Chitosan is not a trend — it’s a molecule with a long-standing history in biomedical research and advanced skincare. Originally derived from chitin, the second most abundant natural biopolymer on Earth, chitosan has been extensively studied for its beneficial role in wound healing, tissue regeneration, and skin barrier support. At Kysand Labs, we've taken this science further. Our proprietary, patent-pending acid-free formulation of colloidal chitosan is engineered for modern skin support, biocompatibility, and daily cosmetic use.
What is Chitosan?
Chitosan is a polycationic biopolymer obtained through the partial deacetylation of chitin, found in the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeletons of crustaceans. Thanks to its unique molecular structure and positive charge, chitosan binds effectively to skin and biological tissues. This allows it to interact with the skin’s extracellular matrix, making it especially useful in cosmetic dermatology, wound healing, and tissue repair.
Key Scientific Properties:
Film-Forming Barrier Without Occlusion
Chitosan creates a semi-permeable, breathable barrier that helps lock in moisture without clogging pores or disrupting skin respiration. This makes it ideal for maintaining hydration and soothing compromised skin.
Wound Healing Support
Chitosan has been shown to accelerate wound healing by stimulating fibroblast activity, supporting collagen synthesis, and enhancing angiogenesis. These properties make it a valuable ingredient in clinical and cosmetic recovery protocols.
Antimicrobial Activity
Chitosan naturally disrupts the outer membranes of many bacteria, inhibiting their growth. This gives it strong protective potential for skin that is stressed, sensitive, or recovering from minor damage.
Biodegradable & Non-Toxic
Chitosan breaks down safely and naturally, making it both eco-friendly and safe for long-term topical use, even on sensitive or compromised skin.
Hemostatic Effect
Its ability to promote clotting has led to its use in FDA-cleared wound dressings, further validating its bioactive properties and compatibility with the human body.
What makes Kysand™ different?
Kysand is our proprietary, patent-pending colloidal chitosan. We use a carefully developed low molecular weight formulation suspended in purified water, designed for optimal skin compatibility and efficacy. Our formula is:
Acid-free pH-balanced at ~6
Naturally self-preserving (no added preservatives)
Stable and shelf-ready with a clean ingredient profile
Kysand builds on a legacy of chitosan research, including early studies conducted aboard the NASA Space Shuttle (STS-96) and MIR space station, where chitosan-based technologies were examined for their potential in plant and tissue response. That same scientific lineage now informs our skincare innovations, starting with our flagship product, Kysand Mist.
Barrier Function Support
Chitosan-based hydrogels are known to promote barrier repair and hydration by forming a protective film on the skin.
→ Muzzarelli RAA. Chitins and Chitosans as Immunoadjuvants and Non-Allergenic Drug Carriers. Mar Drugs. 2010.Wound Healing Properties
Chitosan has been widely studied for wound care due to its ability to accelerate tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and form protective, biocompatible films.
→ Jayakumar R et al. Chitosan-based wound dressings—A review. Carbohydrate Polymers. 2011.Antimicrobial Resistance Support
Chitosan exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and inhibits bacterial adhesion without promoting resistance.
→ Goy RC et al. A Review of the Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan. Polímeros. 2009.Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chitosan has shown potential to modulate inflammatory responses by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
→ Dai T et al. Chitosan preparations for wounds and burns: antimicrobial and wound-healing effects. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2011.Skin Renewal & Cellular Support
Chitosan has been observed to promote keratinocyte and fibroblast activity, supporting natural cell turnover and repair.
→ Kean T & Thanou M. Biodegradation, Biodistribution and Toxicity of Chitosan. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2010.Moisture Retention & Hydration
The film-forming ability of chitosan helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and maintain skin hydration.
→ Kumar MNVR. A review of chitin and chitosan applications. Reactive and Functional Polymers. 2000.Analgesic & Pain-Relieving Support
Emerging research indicates that chitosan may help reduce localized pain by neutralizing proton-related irritants at inflamed sites.
→ Okamoto Y et al. Analgesic Effects of Chitin and Chitosan in Mice. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2001.
→ Asad M et al. Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic potential of chitin and chitosan from insects. Scientific Reports. 2024.
More detailed research coming soon as we continue to expand our clinical documentation.