The present invention relates to cosmetological and dermatological compositions comprising heparan sulfate. The invention further discloses a process for the purification of heparan sulfate for dermatological and cosmetological applications, which process comprises the following steps: solubilization of heparan sulfate in water, adsorption on an anion exchange resin, desorption from the resin by using conditions which result in selective desorption of hepar an sulfate. The cosmetological and dermatological compositions according to the invention show, inter alia, anti-age, lenitive, and whitening effect.
