Common Name(s): Fucose,fucose (l-fucose),deoxy hexose monosaccharide,prebiotic glycocalyx active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides glycocalyx-replenishing activity restoring the skin cell surface sugar coat, selectin ligand competition reducing pro-inflammatory immune cell recruitment, and prebiotic support for bacteroides/bifidobacterium fucosidase-expressing skin commensals.
Why It's Used: L-fucose is the primary immune-regulatory monosaccharide on cell surfaces — selectin-fucose interactions control neutrophil and lymphocyte trafficking; topical fucose modulates skin immune cell accumulation at inflammatory sites.
How It Works: L-fucose: p-selectin and e-selectin bind sialyl lewis x (containing fucose) on leukocytes for rolling adhesion — soluble fucose competes for selectin binding → reduced neutrophil/lymphocyte adhesion → anti-inflammatory effect. as prebiotic: l-fucose fermented by α-l-fucosidase-expressing bifidobacterium and lactobacillus → scfas → barrier support.
Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory,microbiome,glycocalyx care
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – 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: 0.1%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: No - animal-derived
Halal Status: Conditional - animal origin stated in the record's own description; documentation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: pass-1 miss: the record's own detail text states an animal derivation, but pass 1 classified on the name and source_notes only. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
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
Fucose from fucoidans: seaweed-derived fucose (released from fucoidan hydrolysis) provides additional anti-inflammatory fucose alongside the prebiotic activity — the marine-origin fucose has identical receptor pharmacology to synthetic l-fucose.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,l-fucose deoxy hexose glycocalyx prebiotic anti-inflammatory review