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Fructooligosaccharides

Prebiotic for the skin microbiome — fructooligosaccharides (FOS) nourish beneficial bacteria, support protective flora, and strengthen the barrier. Naturally found in onions, garlic, and bananas — modern prebiotic cosmetics have borrowed them from nutrition.

PrebioticMicrobiomeFOSBarrier

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS, INCI: Fructooligosaccharides or Inulin) — short-chain oligosaccharides (2–9 fructose residues + terminal glucose). Natural sources: onion, garlic, wheat, banana, agave. Produced by fermentation of sucrose or hydrolysis of inulin. Mechanism of prebiotic action: serves as a nutrient substrate for Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on the skin surface. Supporting beneficial bacteria creates competitive pressure against pathogens.

Prebiotic serums, creams, and essences for microbiome balance. Combines with postbiotics (lactobacillus ferment, bifida ferment) for a comprehensive probiotic approach.

Key Benefits

✦

Nourishment of beneficial bacteria in the skin microbiome

FOS is a preferred substrate for Lactobacillus and Cutibacterium acnes (commensal strains) — supports their growth. Beneficial flora produces organic acids that lower pH, protect against pathogens, and maintain normal skin condition. Prebiotic without probiotic — supports the already existing beneficial flora.

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Strengthening the protective barrier

The microbiome and keratinocytes interact through toll-like receptors. A balanced microbiome on FOS increases the production of antimicrobial peptides by keratinocytes and stimulates barrier lipid synthesis. Clinically: prebiotic formulas increase moisture and reduce TEWL in atopic dermatitis.

✧

Protection against pathogens and acne through microbial antagonism

Supporting beneficial flora (Lactobacillus) reduces the colonization of C. acnes pathogenic strains through competition for nutrients and surface. FOS-containing products have shown a reduction in acne lesions in pilot studies with 8 weeks of use.

Suitable for

Suitable for all skin typesFor acne-prone skinFor sensitive skinFor atopic skin

Main Actions

✓ Nourishment of the microbiome✓ Strengthening the barrier✓ Protection against pathogens

Prebiotic vs Postbiotic vs Probiotic

Prebiotic (FOS, inulin) — nourishment for beneficial bacteria. Probiotic (live bacteria) — unstable in cosmetics, rarely used. Postbiotic (lactobacillus ferment, bifida ferment lysate) — products of bacterial metabolism, stable. The best approach: prebiotic + postbiotic in one formula — nourishment + ready active components.

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