Fructooligosaccharides

What Is Fructooligosaccharides?

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are short-chain prebiotic sugars derived from plants that selectively feed beneficial skin bacteria while not supporting pathogenic strains. This microbiome-selective feeding supports a healthy skin ecosystem, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier. Also functions as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. Part of the growing 'skinbiome' or microbiome-friendly skincare trend.

Key Skin Benefits

• + Prebiotic — selectively feeds beneficial skin bacteria
• + Supports healthy skin microbiome
• + Anti-inflammatory — reduces skin reactivity
• + Humectant — draws and binds moisture
• + Part of skinbiome-friendly trend

Pros

• + + Prebiotic — feeds good bacteria
• + + Microbiome-friendly
• + + Natural humectant
• + + Anti-inflammatory
• + + Plant-derived and sustainable

Cons

• − − Can feed unwanted microbes in contaminated products
• − − Requires proper preservation system
• − − Less research than probiotics
• − − May be sticky at high concentrations

Specifications

Safety Ratings

Regional Regulatory Limits

Typical Usage % by Product Type

References

1. Gueniche A et al. — Prebiotics in skin care. Exp Dermatol (2014). PMID: 24649768
2. Kober MM, Bowe WP — Microbiome and skin. Int J Dermatol (2015). PMID: 25970010
3. Al-Ghazzewi FH, Tester RF — Prebiotics and skin health. Benef Microbes (2014). PMID: 24281713