No sales for Black Friday at Typology
Complimentary gift with every purchase over £75
Get your personalized diagnosis in under 4 minutes
Library
All Topics
White wavy lines texture on a surfaceInulin

Inulin

Commonly known as: Inulin.
I.N.C.I. list name: Inulin.
Extraction process: The extraction of inulin from chicory roots using hot water, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis, then purification, and finally spray drying.
Source: Plant-based (wild chicory).
Botanical name: Cichorium intybus.
Family: Asteraceae.
Part of the plant extracted: Roots.
Provenance, origin: Belgium.
Chemical characteristics: A linear natural sugar polymer derived from glucose and fructose; Soluble in water; Insoluble in oil; Molecular weight: 700 Da; pH: 5.0 - 7.0.
Characteristics: Colloidal solution, emulsion, foam, true aqueous solution, suspension.
Dosage required in cosmetic products: From 0.5 to 5%.
Function: Skin maintenance agent.
Properties: Softening, pliable, plumping, moisturising, hair conditioning, thirst-quenching, film-forming, detangling.
Benefits: All types of skin and hair.

Details

Usage

Facial Care (micellar waters, facial cleansing foams, serums, eye contour creams, masks; makeup removal lotions, scrubs, hydrating mists); Body Care (body milks, scrubs); Hair Care (shampoos, hair masks, sprays, detangling treatments, conditioners); Hygiene (shower gels/creams, solid soaps, toothpastes); Makeup (foundations, mascaras).

Method of Preservation

This active ingredient is sensitive to moisture and heat. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources, moisture, and direct sunlight in its sealed packaging.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

Avoid contact with the eyes or mucous membranes. Do not apply undiluted to the skin. Even though it poses no risk to the body, it is recommended to perform a skin test in the crook of the elbow or on a small area 24 hours before application to limit any reactions.

Find out more

Inulin derives its name from the botanical genus "Inula", to which the species Elecampane (Inula helenium) belongs. This plant is rich in inulin, from which it was first extracted in the early 19th century. Inulin is a polysaccharide composed of a glucose molecule followed by two or more fructose units. It is naturally produced by a variety of plants (chicory, agave, garlic, asparagus, artichoke, Jerusalem artichoke...) and is used as a means of energy storage. This short-chain, water-soluble fibre of the "prebiotic" type has the ability to retain water, creating an aqueous film on the surface of the skin or hair, which helps to maintain hydration. It also serves as food for the "good" bacteria of the skin flora, thus promoting their growth.