Skincare Ingredient
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Glucose
In Skincare: Is Glucose Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Glucose, a plant-derived sugar, functions as a humectant to help draw moisture to the skin.
- 02
Glucose is utilized in lip balms and facial cleansers as a flavoring agent.
- 03
As a prebiotic, glucose supports the skin’s microbiome by nourishing beneficial microorganisms.
- 04
Glucose is also known as dextrose.
Key Benefits
What Glucose does for your skin
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Glucose
Role of Glucose
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
HUMECTANT
Moisture MagnetAttracts and retains moisture in skin and hair
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Humectant ingredients draw water from the environment and deeper skin layers through hygroscopic properties. Common humectants include glycerin, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, urea, and alpha-hydroxy acids. These contain multiple hydroxyl groups or other hydrophilic functional groups that form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Mechanism involves attracting water to the stratum corneum, reducing transepidermal water loss, and increasing skin hydration.
Products
containing Glucose
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References
Scientific sources
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, March 2020, pages 1–13
Foods, March 2019, pages 1–27
Nature Medicine, May 2018, pages 617–627
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, September 2003, pages 1,224–1,228
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glucose — common questions
What is Glucose in skincare?
Glucose is a simple sugar naturally found in plants. It’s produced through photosynthesis and exists as a white solid or an aqueous solution.
What does Glucose do? / Functions of Glucose?
Common functions: HUMECTANT.
What is the comedogenic rating of Glucose? / Is Glucose comedogenic?
Glucose has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Glucose is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).
Is Glucose safe for skin?
Glucose has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Common humectant/sugar; CIR and safety assessments indicate low irritation/sensitization and very low overall risk in cosmetics. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has evaluated glucose and c
Is Glucose good for sensitive skin?
Glucose has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Glucose in skincare?
Known considerations: Common humectant/sugar; CIR and safety assessments indicate low irritation/sensitization and very low overall risk in cosmetics. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has evaluated glucose and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetic products under normal, intended conditions.