What are the benefits of inulin for the skin?

The terminulin derives from the botanical genus "Inula", to which the species Elecampane (Inula helenium) belongs. This plant is rich in inulin and was the first source from which it was extracted in the early 19th century. However, this compound is found in many plants (chicory, agave, garlic, asparagus, artichoke, Jerusalem artichoke, etc...) that use it to store energy. Chemically, it is a linear polysaccharide composed of glucose and fructose units.

Water-soluble, the inulin found in cosmetic care is typically obtained through extraction from chicory roots, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and purification, then spray drying. Its I.N.C.I. name is "Inulin" and it is generally introduced at a concentration of 0.5 to 5% in a cosmetic formula.

Inulin is a "prebiotic", that is, an ingredient that provides an excellent source of nutrition for the beneficial bacteria present on the skin's surface.

The term microbiota thus refers to thecollection of non-pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites), known as commensals(bacteria that are beneficial to the body), housed in a specific environment, the microbiome. The human microbiota harbours millions of microorganisms. Within the body, there are different microbiotas: on the skin, in the mouth, the vagina, male sexual organs, lungs, and so on.

Thanks to their antimicrobial properties, these "good" bacteria enable the body to protect and defend itself against invasive pathogens. Conversely, the "bad" bacteria invade the body and can damage cells and/or induce inflammation. However, they are also essential to our body, as they stimulate our immune defences. A healthy microbiota results from a balance between these "good" and "bad" bacteria. For example, excessive use of antibacterial soaps can disrupt the skin microbiota, which can lead to redness and/or irritation; this is referred to as dysbiosis.

Note:The skin microbiota varies from one person to another. It depends on age, lifestyle, gender, skin pH, etc...

As previously mentioned, theinulin is a prebiotic, which is a food for the "good" bacteria, at the expense of undesirable microorganisms. When applied to the skin, it rebalances the microbiota and prevents dysbiosis. The microbiological barrier is strengthened, preventing the colonisation of pathogenic microorganisms and thus the appearance of imperfections. The skin becomes healthier and more uniform.

Theinulin is recognised for its moisturising properties. This active ingredient is particularly recommended for dehydrated skin. Indeed, inulin is a sugar with film-forming properties that captures moisture and retains it in the skin cells. The skin becomes more supple and soft, preventing tightness.

Typology has developed various galenic formulations based on inulin, which can be found below:

• The unifying and rebalancing complex with 3 pre+probiotics helps to rebalance the skin's ecosystem to prevent the appearance of blemishes and reduce redness. The skin is healthy and the complexion is even. It is suitable for all skin types, but is particularly recommended for combination to oily skin, prone to skin irregularities (redness, blemishes).

• The exfoliating cleansing gel with 5% PHA (INCI name: "Gluconolactone") and aloe vera (INCI name: "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder") which offers a gradual micro-exfoliation of the skin and the purifying cleansing gel based on zinc PCA and bamboo extract (INCI name: "Phyllostachys Bambusoides Extract") which helps to rebalance the skin, also include inulin in their formulation.

• The botanical mists are portable treatments to be applied at any time of the day. Among them, three are enriched with inulin: the purifying botanical mist, the hydrating botanical mist and the antioxidant botanical mist.

• TESTER R. F. & al. Impact of prebiotics and probiotics on skin health. Beneficial Microbes (2014).

• GILLIET M. & al. The cutaneous microbiota: the heavyweight emerges from the shadows. Dermatology (2016).