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Common Name(s): Psicose,psicose (d-allulose),rare sugar,zero-calorie age inhibitor humectant

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides hygroscopic moisture retention equal to glucose while dramatically reducing age formation risk โ€” allulose's ketose configuration prevents the efficient maillard reaction initiation step, delivering humectancy without the glycation-mediated collagen crosslinking associated with reducing aldose sugars.

Why It's Used: Allulose's keto-group at c3 prevents the efficient maillard initiation (requires aldehyde at c1) โ€” providing the full humectant benefit of the multiple oh groups without the glycation mechanism that makes glucose a collagen-ageing substrate.

How It Works: D-allulose (c3 ketose epimer of fructose) lacks the c1 aldehyde group that initiates maillard reaction โ€” the carbonyl at c3 has 100ร— lower reactivity with protein amines preventing schiff base formation. the four free hydroxyl groups (c1, c4, c5, c6) provide full humectant h-bonding capacity equivalent to glucose while maintaining near-zero age formation potential.

Typically Found In: Anti-aging hydration,age prevention,premium skin care

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%โ€“5%

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

Psicose/allulose is approved as a food additive by fda and eu (zero-calorie sweetener) โ€” the gras food safety profile provides exceptional safety documentation for cosmetic use at equivalent concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,d-allulose psicose rare sugar age inhibitor humectant review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-22