Common Name(s): Nigero oligosaccharides,nigero oligosaccharides,oligosaccharide or polyol,prebiotic humectant active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides skin surface hydration from multiple hydroxyl group water binding and selectively nourishes beneficial microbiome organisms as a prebiotic substrate.

Why It's Used: Oligosaccharide prebiotics provide the dual benefit of humectancy and microbiome nutrition — selectively fermented by lactobacillus and bifidobacterium skin commensals for enhanced microbiome-supportive skin care.

How It Works: Oligosaccharide prebiotic mechanism: selectively fermented by lactobacillus/bifidobacterium → short-chain fatty acid production → tight junction upregulation → barrier reinforcement. not fermented by less beneficial microbiome organisms providing selective pressure for healthy microbiome composition.

Typically Found In: Moisturising,microbiome support

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Moisture retention,hydration

Application Areas:

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,nigero oligosaccharides oligosaccharide humectant prebiotic review