Fructooligosaccharides

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of oligosaccharide and carbohydrate used in skin care for their humectant, prebiotic and potential antioxidant properties. They’re composed of short chains of 3–10 fructose units.

They occur naturally in plants and are often found in garlic, sugar beets, chicory, onion and banana, among other fruits and vegetables. Although natural, fructooligosaccharides can also be synthetically created via fermentation for usage in cosmetics.

As a humectant, this ingredient helps promote skin’s moisture retention for a supple feel. It further nourishes and supports a healthy skin microbiome through its prebiotic properties. Prebiotics are the food source for probiotics, the “good” bacteria that helps the body and skin’s surface retain microbial balance.

Recent studies also detail the potential antioxidant activity of fructooligosaccharides. This group of ingredients are safe for use in cosmetics without concentration restrictions.

Fructooligosaccharides are often included in food products for their prebiotic effects as well as their sweet flavor.