Inulin: What are the different ways to use it?

Indeed, it is possible to benefit from inulin for the skin by consuming it as a dietary supplement. These supplements come in the form of powder or granules to be diluted, as well as in certain industrial food products like milk or yoghurts whereinulin is sometimes used for its sweetening power. The recommended dose is 9 g per day.

In 2023, Naoko KANDA and her team aimed to verify whether a diet enriched with inulin (10% for three weeks) could improve induced psoriatic dermatitis in mice. They found that inulin consumption reduced the severity of induced dermatitis, as well as the thickness of the epidermis. This diet also reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cells (IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-1β, TNF-α, CXCL1, and CXCL2). This effect will help to reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis, and thus improve the symptoms.

It is important to know that the consumption of inulin increases serum and fecal concentrations of propionate. Oral propionate is known to reduce inflammatory infiltrates and mRNA levels of inflammatory cells in dermatitis. Thus, dietary inulin supplementation would improve psoriasis-type dermatitis, and it is therefore attributed anti-inflammatory effects when taken orally.

Theinulin is also frequently found in hair care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair serums. These treatments boast the hydrating and reparative properties of inulin.

It is important to note, however, that no scientific study has proven any specific effect of inulin on hair.

However, considering its potential antioxidant properties, we can hypothesise about its usefulness in hair applications. Several studies have shown that photo-aggravation of hair oxidation leads to a reduction in hydration and a stiffening of the hair fibre, associated with lipid oxidation.

Although hair pigments (melanin) protect hair proteins by absorbing radiation and then dissipating this energy as heat, they can themselves be affected, leading to grey hair. It can be hypothesised that inulin, by preventing lipoperoxidation through its antioxidant effect, could protect hair against the action of oxidative stress. This would then allow hair to be less dry and less grey. However, these are only suppositions.