Fructooligosaccharides
Plant oligosaccharides; a prebiotic. On skin they act as a humectant and support commensal microflora.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Prebiotic with accumulated evidence on microbiome support. Well tolerated, hydrating.
- Zeng M, et al. Prebiotic Oligosaccharides in Skin Health: Benefits, Mechanisms, and Cosmetic Applications. Antioxidants (Basel). 2025;14(6):754.. PMID 40563386
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are short-chain plant oligosaccharides of 2-10 fructose residues. Sourced from chicory, agave, banana. A prebiotic: substrate for growth of beneficial microbiome bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus). On skin. The skin microbiome is a first-line barrier. In atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and acne baseline microbiome diversity is reduced and Staphylococcus aureus or Cutibacterium acnes dominate. FOS act as a humectant (hold moisture) and support commensal flora – selectively feed the "good" bacteria. Where applied. Microbiome-positioned creams and serums, sensitive skin products, shampoos, and hair care. In Spain – La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M (with the microbiome trio: aqua posae filiformis + niacinamide + micro-reservoir), Bioderma Sensibio. Evidence base. Bockmühl 2014 ex vivo and Pondeljak 2020 showed FOS-enriched formulas increase commensal bacterial density by 30-50% over 4 weeks and reduce TEWL in atopic patients. Quality RCTs of topical FOS as a prebiotic are still few. Safety. CIR confirmed safety. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic. Pregnancy and lactation – safe.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fructooligosaccharides safe during pregnancy?
Fructooligosaccharides is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Fructooligosaccharides for?
Fructooligosaccharides suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Fructooligosaccharides and what does it do in cosmetics?
Plant oligosaccharides; a prebiotic.
What's the INCI name for Fructooligosaccharides?
The INCI name is Fructooligosaccharides. It may also appear as: FOS.
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Ingredients in the same category
Fructose, Fucose, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Galactoarabinan, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Squalene, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil
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