Common Name(s): Cichorium intybus root oligosaccharides,cichorium intybus root oligosaccharides,chicory inulin prebiotic,bifidogenic fructan humectant
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Selectively nourishes bifidobacterium and lactobacillus skin commensals as the most clinically documented prebiotic substrate while providing hygroscopic moisture retention from the fructooligosaccharide's multiple oh groups.
Why It's Used: Chicory inulin is the gold standard prebiotic substrate โ decades of gut microbiome clinical studies demonstrating bifidobacterium selectivity directly applicable to the skin microbiome with the same bifidogenic fermentation mechanism.
How It Works: Beta-fructosidic linkages in inulin are cleaved specifically by bifidobacterium (beta-fructosidase, ec 3.2.1.26) and lactobacillus species โ the beta-2,1 linkage geometry is not recognised by most pathogenic organisms providing selective bifidogenic fermentation. scfa products reinforce skin acid mantle.
Typically Found In: Microbiome skin care,prebiotic hydration
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ humectant
Secondary Functions: Moisture retention,hydration
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,barrier actives
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Chicory inulin degree of polymerisation (dp) determines specificity: short chain fos (dp 2-8) provides highest bifidogenic activity; long chain inulin (dp >23) provides better humectant film formation โ dp selection depends on target functional priority.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cichorium intybus inulin fos prebiotic bifidogenic review