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Raffinose

Raffinose — a natural trisaccharide found in legumes, sugar beets, and some grains. In cosmetics, it is used as a moisturizer and an active component to strengthen the skin's barrier function, with additional potential to support the microbiome.

trisaccharidemoisturizerbarrier strengtheningprebiotic

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Raffinose (INCI: Raffinose) — a trisaccharide with a molecular structure of galactose-glucose-fructose, connected by glycosidic bonds. A natural osmoprotectant from plants (protection against drying and cold). Mechanism: the hydrophilic sugar structure binds water molecules → moisturizing effect; some studies indicate that raffinose can stabilize keratinocyte cell membranes under stress conditions (osmotic stress, dehydration), similar to its protective role in plant cells.

Moisturizing serums and creams, products for strengthening the skin's barrier function, anti-stress cosmetics, formulas for sensitive and dehydrated skin.

Key Benefits

✦

Moisturizing and osmoprotective action

Raffinose has a pronounced hydrophilic ability to bind water molecules, providing a moisturizing effect on the skin's surface. Mechanism: the trisaccharide structure with numerous hydroxyl groups retains water in the upper layers of the stratum corneum. Additionally: osmoprotective properties (protection of cells from osmotic stress, characteristic of plant-derived raffinose) theoretically contribute to maintaining cellular homeostasis of keratinocytes during dehydration or cold stress of the skin.

◈

Support for the skin's barrier function

Raffinose contributes to strengthening the skin's barrier function, potentially through supporting lipid synthesis in the stratum corneum and stabilizing intercellular structures. The mechanism is not fully understood, but clinical observations indicate improved hydration levels and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) with regular use. Result: increased skin resilience to external irritants, reduced feelings of tightness and dryness.

✧

Prebiotic potential for the microbiome

Similar to other oligosaccharides and polysaccharides (e.g., inulin), raffinose has the potential to serve as a prebiotic substrate for beneficial bacteria in the skin microbiome. Mechanism: plant sugars of similar structure are selectively metabolized by commensal bacteria, promoting a balanced microflora. Often combined with: other prebiotics and postbiotics in formulas aimed at a "microbiome-friendly" approach to skincare.

Suitable for

dry and dehydrated skinsensitive skinskin with impaired barrier function

Main Actions

✓ moisturizing and osmoprotection✓ strengthening barrier function✓ prebiotic support for the microbiome

Raffinose: origin and concentration

Raffinose is usually obtained from sugar beets or leguminous crops through extraction. A safe and non-irritating component with minimal allergy risk. INCI: Raffinose. Concentration: 0.1-2% in moisturizing and barrier-strengthening formulas. Often used in multi-component moisturizing complexes along with other sugars and polysaccharides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Raffinose do for skin?

Moisturizing serums and creams, products for strengthening the skin's barrier function, anti-stress cosmetics, formulas for sensitive and dehydrated skin.

Who should use Raffinose?

Raffinose is suitable for: dry and dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, skin with impaired barrier function.

Are there any warnings about Raffinose?

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