Found naturally in honey and fruits, fructose is a simple sugar used both in the food industry and in skin and hair care. The following question arises: what is fructose and what is its utility? Let's focus on this ingredient.
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What is "Fructose" and what is its utility?
Summary
- Fructose: What is it?
- Fructose: What is its utility?
- Fructose: In which skincare products can it be found?
Published November 17, 2021,
updated on August 29, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
3 min read
Fructose: What is it?
Fructose falls into the category of glucose isomers, as they have a similar chemical composition (C6H12O6), but different structures. Fructose naturally occurs in fruits and honey. It has a positive topical effect on the skin. However, it can lead to side effects if ingested frequently. Combined with glucose, it forms sucrose.
Categorized among monosaccharides due to its chemical composition, fructose is a simple sugar or fruit sugar that is part of carbohydrates. Its molecule contains 6 carbon atoms. Thus, it belongs to the group of hexoses.
Fructose is a water-soluble, odorless, and colorless crystalline substance. With a sweet taste, it is primarily found in berries, pome fruits, and certain vegetables. Its proportion can vary from one fruit to another. For instance, 100 grams of apples contain 6 grams of fructose.
Fructose is derived from plant starches for the production of artificial sweeteners. Fructose is produced from corn starch hydrolysate by partial enzymatic conversion of glucose into fructose. This is done using a glucose isomerase enzyme preparation. Unlike industrial sugars, this ingredient has a low glycemic index. This index is lower than that of glucose.
Due to its chemical and physical properties, fructose is particularly used in the food industry. Being hygroscopic, it has affinities with water. It is soluble at low temperatures and promotes condensation, making it an interesting moisturizing agent for the biscuit, bakery, and confectionery industries.
Fructose: What is its utility?
Fructose is a humectant agent. When incorporated into a skincare product, it stabilizes the water content within its packaging and after application.
Fructose is also used in syrup form as a flavoring agent in various preparations. Its chemical structure allows it to retain water molecules along its entire length. It removes moisture from the skin.
Furthermore, fructose is a topical exfoliant that removes dirt and microbes present on the skin. It purifies it by eliminating dead cells. Thus, it makes the skin smooth and radiant.
Fructose also has conditioning properties. Once applied to the skin, it creates a film on the surface to protect it from environmental factors.
Fructose also serves as an ally for hair, as it provides hydration.
Fructose: In which skincare products can it be found?
Fructose is present in many skincare products such as:
Cream masks or gels;
Facial lotions and toners;
Body milks and creams;
Foundation makeup;
Eye makeup;
Facial creams.
Furthermore, fructose can be used in hair care, bath care, and cleansing care. Our purifying cleansing gel with zinc and bamboo extract contains it. People with combination to oily skin can use it.
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