Common Name(s): Lactulose,lactulose,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: Lactulose targets microbiome-supportive formulation from two directions simultaneously — the prebiotic activity promoting beneficial bacteria that reinforce the barrier, and direct humectant moisture retention providing immediate hydration.
How It Works: Lactulose selective fermentation: lactobacillus and bifidobacterium metabolise the disaccharide via β-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 – 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%–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 disaccharide specificity: the galactosyl linkage geometry determines which organisms can ferment it — the specific β-1,4 (lactulose) or β-1,4-reduced (lactitol) linkage provides the selective recognition by bifidobacterium galactosidases.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,lactulose prebiotic disaccharide bifidogenic humectant review