Common Name(s): Xylobiose,xylobiose,xylose disaccharide,prebiotic film-former humectant

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Selectively nourishes lactobacillus skin commensals as a targeted prebiotic while providing hygroscopic moisture retention and film-forming conditioning from the disaccharide architecture.

Why It's Used: Xylose disaccharides from plant hemicellulose provide the most selective lactobacillus-targeting prebiotic activity — the β-1,4-xylosidic linkage geometry is recognised by lactobacillus xylosidase enzymes but not by most skin pathogens.

How It Works: Xylo-oligosaccharide fermentation by lactobacillus β-xylosidase → xylose → lactic acid (acid mantle, ph 4.5–5.0) + scfas (tight junction claudin upregulation). the xylosyl disaccharide provides two oh groups per ring for water h-bonding humectancy alongside the prebiotic fermentation activity.

Typically Found In: Microbiome skin care,prebiotic hydration

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Moisture retention,hydration

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – 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

Xylobiose has gras food additive status as a prebiotic fibre — the extensive gut microbiome prebiotic safety data directly supports its skin microbiome application at cosmetically relevant concentrations.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,xylobiose xylose prebiotic disaccharide humectant review