Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Oligosaccharides
What is Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Oligosaccharides?
Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Oligosaccharides are short-chain carbohydrates extracted from the roots of the chicory plant, Cichorium intybus, a flowering herb native to Europe and Asia. Chemically, they consist mainly of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which are chains of fructose molecules linked to glucose. In cosmetics, they serve as humectants and skin conditioning agents, drawing moisture into the skin to enhance hydration. Additionally, they function as prebiotics, selectively feeding beneficial bacteria on the skin's surface to promote a healthy microbiome. This dual action helps maintain skin barrier function and comfort. Commonly found in creams, serums, and masks at low concentrations, they provide gentle, non-sticky moisture without altering product texture significantly.
Benefits
Hydrates skin by attracting and holding moisture.
Nourishes beneficial skin bacteria as a prebiotic.
Supports overall skin barrier comfort.
Who It's For
A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).
| Who May Benefit | Who Should Avoid |
|---|---|
| People with dry or dehydrated skin. | Anyone with known chicory plant allergies. |
| Individuals seeking microbiome-friendly ingredients. | People sensitive to fructan carbohydrates. |
| Those preferring plant-derived hydrators. | Those preferring to avoid root-derived extracts. |
Safety Notes
- Rated low hazard by EWG assessments.
- Non-comedogenic with rating of 0.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Oligosaccharides
What are chicory root oligosaccharides?
Short-chain fructooligosaccharides from chicory roots, used as humectants and prebiotics in skincare.
Are they safe for daily use?
Safety data indicates low hazard potential for most skin types.
Do they help with dryness?
They attract moisture to support skin hydration.