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Common Name(s): Lactitol,lactitol,prebiotic disaccharide,bifidogenic humectant active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Selectively nourishes beneficial lactobacillus and bifidobacterium skin microbiome organisms as a prebiotic substrate while providing hygroscopic moisture retention from the disaccharide's hydroxyl group water-binding.

Why It's Used: Lactitol targets microbiome-supportive formulation from two directions simultaneously โ€” the prebiotic activity promoting beneficial bacteria that reinforce the barrier, and direct humectant moisture retention providing immediate hydration.

How It Works: Lactitol selective fermentation: lactobacillus and bifidobacterium metabolise the disaccharide via ฮฒ-galactosidase producing lactic acid (acid mantle reinforcement) and scfas (tight junction upregulation). most skin pathogens (s. aureus, c. acnes) lack the specific disaccharide transporter providing prebiotic selectivity.

Typically Found In: Microbiome skin care,prebiotic hydration

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

Prebiotic disaccharide specificity: the galactosyl linkage geometry determines which organisms can ferment it โ€” the specific ฮฒ-1,4 (lactulose) or ฮฒ-1,4-reduced (lactitol) linkage provides the selective recognition by bifidobacterium galactosidases.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,lactitol prebiotic disaccharide bifidogenic humectant review