Fructooligosaccharides
Ingredient Info
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of prebiotic fiber made from short chains of fructose molecules. In skincare, they're added to support the skin's microbiome and may work by feeding beneficial bacteria, potentially helping reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier health.
Benefits
- May support a healthy skin microbiome by feeding beneficial bacteria
- Potential anti-inflammatory effects when absorbed or applied topically
- May help improve skin barrier function and reduce irritation
Potential concerns
- Limited topical skincare data; most evidence comes from oral/gut health studies
- May cause mild fermentation or gas if ingested in large amounts, though this is less relevant for topical use
Science: Research demonstrates that FOS as an oral prebiotic (combined with probiotics) can shift gut microbiota toward an anti-inflammatory profile and improve skin outcomes in inflammatory conditions like psoriasis. However, direct topical efficacy data in cosmetic skincare products is limited; most evidence relates to oral supplementation and systemic skin health.
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