Quick answer
Plant-derived sugar used as a humectant; Adds flavor to lip balms and facial cleansers; Works as a prebiotic to support skin’s microbiome; Also known as dextrose Key benefits: Hydration.
Glucose
Updated
Glucose
Purpose
This sugar derived from plants hydrates and adds a pleasant, sweet flavor to products such as cleansers and lip balms.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Humectant, Prebiotic/Probiotic/Postbiotic
INCI Purpose
HUMECTANT
Benefits
Alternative Names
At a Glance
Plant-derived sugar used as a humectant
Adds flavor to lip balms and facial cleansers
Works as a prebiotic to support skin’s microbiome
Also known as dextrose
Article
Glucose is a natural sugar that’s often obtained for cosmetics via the breakdown of various natural starches, which are also carbohydrates. As a humectant, it helps bind moisture to skin, adds flavor to lip products and facial cleansers, and is part of many saccharides that work as prebiotics to help reinforce skin’s microbiome.
Research has shown 2% concentrations of glucose plays a role in fading the look discolorations because skin metabolizes it to lactic acid. It stands to reason that a leave-on lactic acid exfoliant would do this job more efficiently, especially if used with other hyperpigmentation helpersingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide.
This polysaccharide ingredient is supplied as an odorless white powder. Usage levels have not been established for cosmetics, but glucose is considered safe as used.
See: Dextran, Dextrin, Glucose Oxidase
References