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Ingredient · INCI reference

Isomerized Sugar

A sugar syrup in which part of the glucose has been converted to fructose, used in skincare as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.

What it is

Isomerized sugar is a sweet syrup made by enzymatically converting (isomerizing) some of the glucose in a starch-derived sugar solution into fructose, yielding a glucose-fructose mixture. The resulting sugars are hygroscopic, so in cosmetics the material acts as a humectant that helps attract and hold moisture at the skin surface. It also contributes to a conditioned, supple skin feel.

Safety & warnings

A simple sugar mixture that is generally well tolerated on skin, with no notable irritation or sensitization concerns at cosmetic use levels.

Origin & sourcing

Plant-derived and processed; produced from starch-based sugars by enzymatic isomerization of glucose into a glucose-fructose blend.

Questions everyone asks

What does isomerized sugar do in skincare?

It serves as a humectant, helping attract and retain moisture at the skin surface for a conditioned, supple feel.

What is isomerized sugar made from?

It is made from starch-derived sugars by enzymatically converting some glucose into fructose, giving a glucose-fructose syrup.

Sources & references

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