Glucose
Simple sugar – a natural humectant. Holds water in the stratum corneum and gently softens the skin. Pregnancy-safe.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Natural humectant with food-grade safety.
- Rawlings AV, Harding CR. Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17 Suppl 1:43-48.. PMID 14728698
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, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Glucose is a monosaccharide C6H12O6, a simple sugar. INCI: Glucose. In cosmetics it is used as a mild humectant and stabilizer. It works through hydroxyl groups that hold water. Milder than glycerin in sensory profile. Also serves as a substrate for enzymatic systems in probiotic formulas. Use levels run from 0.5 to 5%. Pregnancy safety. A food ingredient, safety is indisputable. Skin profile. Very low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types. No active cosmetic effects.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glucose safe during pregnancy?
Glucose is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Glucose for?
Glucose suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Glucose and what does it do in cosmetics?
Simple sugar – a natural humectant.
Is Glucose comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Glucose?
The INCI name is Glucose. It may also appear as: Dextrose.
See Glucose in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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Glucuronic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, C9-12 Alkane
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