Glucose is a monosaccharide that contributes to the proper functioning of cells. It plays a dual role in the body's cells: a structural role and an energy role. Furthermore, glucose is used in the composition of many skincare products. The following question arises: what is glucose and what is its utility? Let's focus on this ingredient.
What is "Glucose" and what is its utility?
Summary
Published on February 3, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 3 min of reading
Glucose: What is it?
As part of the aldohexoses, glucose is soluble in water. It presents itself in the form of an aqueous solution or a solid white crystal. It is naturally produced by plants during photosynthesis. Due to its water retention capabilities, it is used in numerous skincare products.
Glucose is a simple sugar with the chemical formula C6H12O6. It is a monosaccharide from the aldohexose family. Some molecules have the same chemical formula, notably mannose and fructose. Their difference lies in their expanded formulas.
Glucose is also a component of polysaccharides and disaccharides. Its molar mass is 180.1559 g/mol. It can be associated with other biological molecules. For instance, it can be combined with proteins to form glycoproteins, or with lipids to form glycolipids.
Glucose is used as an energy source by living cells. It is produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch. This can be obtained from several types of plants: rice, wheat, potatoes, cassava or sago. It is present in many foods rich in carbohydrates such as fruits, starchy foods or confectionery.
Glucose: What is its utility?
Glucose is a humectant agent. It maintains the water content of a skincare product within its packaging and on the skin. Thus, it preserves the moisture of the product throughout its use.
Glucose serves:
As a fragrant agent in skincare;
Of a humectant;
As a skin conditioning agent.
The numerous –OH molecules of glucose tend to attract water. Therefore, once applied to the skin or used in a skincare product, this ingredient draws moisture from the environment. As such, it is an ally for dry skin. It is used to maintain skin hydration and condition it.
Furthermore, glucose is an essential source of energy for the body. Stored as glycogen in the body, this carbohydrate serves as an energy substrate for several cells in the body. A lack of glucose in the body could lead to hypoglycaemia.
Glucose: In which skincare products can it be found?
Glucose is present in a wide range of skincare products:
Face firming creams;
Facial hydrating serums;
Cleansing treatments;
Eye make-up products;
Haircare treatments;
Bath care;
Skincare for the body and face;
Skincare used after exposure to the sun.
Our purifying cleansing gel, enriched with zinc and bamboo extract, contains glucose. This skincare product effectively removes impurities from the skin, deeply purifies it and restores its balance. It is suitable for combination to oily skin types.
