Fructose is a simple monosaccharide naturally present in fruits, honey and other plant-derived sources. In skin-care formulations, fructose serves primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent: it attracts and binds water on the skin surface, contributes to moisture retention, and helps maintain a smoother, more hydrated complexion. In addition, it may support exfoliation of superficial dead cells by reducing adhesion of corneocytes to one another, thereby promoting skin renewal and improving texture appearance.
In hair-care systems, although data are less abundant, fructose is used to help condition and hydrate the hair shaft and scalp: by virtue of its humectant behaviour and film-forming potential it can contribute to improved manageability, reduced brittleness and enhanced softness, particularly in dry or chemically treated hair. For brand-owners, the inclusion of fructose offers a plant-based sugar-derived ingredient that appeals to natural or clean-beauty positioning while contributing functional hydration and conditioning effects.
Quick Insights
Ingredient Rating:
GOOD
Type of Ingredient:
Hydrator, Moisturizer, Texture Enhancer, Conditioner, Soother and Barrier Support
Intended Function:
To attract and hold water on skin and hair surfaces, improve surface texture and support hydration-based conditioning in personal-care formulations.
Common Applications:
Used in facial moisturizers, serums, masks, scalp treatments, hair conditioners, leave-on treatments and body care products where enhanced hydration, smoother feel and sugar-derived conditioning are desired.
Target Audience:
Brand-owners and contract manufacturers developing skin-care or hair-care lines focused on hydration, gentle conditioning, clean/natural ingredient positioning and effective moisture support.
Also Known As:
Fruit sugar, D-Fructose.
Safety Analysis
Fructose belongs to the class of simple saccharides which have been reviewed by independent safety panels for cosmetic use. For example, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that monosaccharides and disaccharides (including fructose) are safe in current practices of cosmetic use. Because fructose is highly water-soluble and humectant, in very low-humidity environments it may theoretically draw moisture from deeper skin layers (a general humectant caution). In this sense, pairing it with emollients or occlusive layers helps prevent this effect. Even though fragrance and other sensory claims are appealing (because “sugar-derived”), formulators should ensure the sugar load and microbial stability are managed, as sugars may feed microbes; proper preservation and microbial testing are essential. While minimal reports of irritation exist for fructose in topical use, brand-owners should still conduct patch testing when using new formulations or concentrations, especially for sensitive-skin or scalp applications.
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