Common Name(s): Galactonolactone,galactonolactone,oligosaccharide or polyol,prebiotic humectant active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides skin surface hydration from multiple hydroxyl group water binding.
Why It's Used: Polyol humectants from natural sugar chemistry provide hygroscopic moisture retention with exceptional biocompatibility from the sugar-origin molecular scaffold.
How It Works: Multiple hydroxyl groups provide 5-7 h-bonds per oh unit for water retention. the sugar backbone provides sc protein complementarity for biocompatible moisture retention.
Typically Found In: Moisturising,natural 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: 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
Prebiotic oligosaccharide specificity is determined by the monosaccharide composition and linkage geometry — beta-galactosides selectively nourish bifidobacterium; fructooligosaccharides nourish lactobacillus; the specific prebiotic selects for distinct beneficial species.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,galactonolactone oligosaccharide humectant prebiotic review