Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Juice of yacon tuber – a South American root crop. Contains up to 60% fructooligosaccharides (FOS) – prebiotics promoted by marketing as skin-microbiome balancers. Clinical skin RCTs are limited. Safe topically during pregnancy.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Polysaccharide humectant with a theoretical prebiotic action on the skin microbiome. Evidence at the in-vitro and dietary-RCT level; clinical skin studies are scarce. Traffic light YELLOW.
- Caetano BFR et al. Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) as a food supplement: health-promoting benefits. Nutrients 2016;8(7):436. PMID 27455312
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius, syn. Polymnia sonchifolia) is a South American Andean root crop. Yacon tubers stand out for their very high fructooligosaccharide (FOS) content – especially inulin and its short fragments: up to 60% of dry mass. In food, yacon is positioned as a low-glycemic prebiotic; in cosmetics, as an ingredient for prebiotic balance of the skin microbiome. INCI: Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice. Biological rationale. Fructooligosaccharides serve as a substrate for some beneficial skin microbiome bacteria, primarily Staphylococcus epidermidis. The idea is that adding FOS supports S. epidermidis growth and suppresses overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium) and Staphylococcus aureus. This is a workable theoretical model, but clinical RCTs with microbiome composition counts after yacon cream are very few. Actual cosmetic activity. Yacon juice provides a hydrating effect from its polysaccharides (like any polysaccharide humectant). The antioxidant component – chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid – is documented in vitro. Microbiome-balance claims remain experimental territory. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption of polysaccharides through the skin is minimal. Oral yacon syrup in large amounts during pregnancy is not recommended (potential GI upset from osmotic load), but this does not apply to cosmetics. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen profile. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for sensitive skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice safe during pregnancy?
Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice for?
Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice and what does it do in cosmetics?
Juice of yacon tuber – a South American root crop.
Is Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice 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 Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice?
The INCI name is Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice. It may also appear as: Yacon Root Juice, Smallanthus Sonchifolius.
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