FOS) ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used mainly as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping bind water and support a smoother feel. It is also used in microbiome-positioned formulas as a substrate for desirable skin flora claims.
What does FOS) do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used mainly as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping bind water and support a smoother feel. It is also used in microbiome-positioned formulas as a substrate for desirable skin flora claims.
Is FOS) clean?
It is generally well tolerated, low in sensitization concern, and not a common clean-standard restricted-list issue. The main quality considerations are purity, microbial control in the finished formula, and transparent sourcing.
Is FOS) sustainable?
This material is typically plant-derived and commonly produced from sugar-rich feedstocks through enzymatic processing. It is water soluble and readily biodegradable, with a relatively favorable end-of-life profile.
Is FOS) COSMOS-approved?
It is generally compatible with COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when sourced and processed through approved plant-based or enzymatic routes. Its renewable feedstock options, mild processing pathway, and biodegradability fit Green Chemistry principles well.
How does FOS) work chemically?
The molecule is a short-chain carbohydrate oligomer built mainly from fructose units, often with a terminal glucose unit, and it is highly water soluble. It is typically used at low single-digit percentages, performs best in aqueous systems, and can hydrolyze under strongly acidic conditions or prolonged high heat.
Last updated 2026-05-14