Inuline BIO

Inuline BIO at a glance

Inuline BIO is a prebiotic powder from France with the INCI Inulin. It is a white powder with a faint caramel scent that dissolves in water but not in oils, so it belongs in the water phase. It is used at 1 to 2% of the finished product. The supplier highlights that it suits both skin and hair, from shampoos to face creams.

What inulin is

Inulin is a natural polysaccharide, a chain of fructose units, that many plants store in their roots as an energy reserve. Chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke are the best known sources. In skin care, it plays two roles: as a polysaccharide it moisturizes and softens, and as a prebiotic it fits the trend of care for a balanced skin microflora.

For skin

Inulin binds water and forms a light, soft film on the skin. The supplier lists moisturizing, softening and nourishing effects, protection against external stress and a soothing effect that helps reduce the feeling of irritation. As a prebiotic sugar it also supports the balance of the useful microorganisms on the skin surface.

For hair

The supplier puts special weight on hair care. Inulin smooths the surface of the hair, makes it smooth and eases combing. It conditions the hair and helps restore dry, brittle hair by smoothing its cuticle scales. This makes it useful in shampoos, conditioners and styling products, where a natural, sugar based conditioner is welcome.

How to formulate

Dissolve Inuline BIO in the water phase. It dissolves easily and does not need heat, though warm water speeds it up. It works in clear and creamy bases and in surfactant systems. Keep the finished product at about pH 4.5 to 6.5. For a biotic line, combine it with Bioecolia, another prebiotic, and with panthenol for extra moisture. More microflora actives are listed in the cosmetic actives section.

Product ideas

The supplier lists shampoos and conditioners, body and face milks, face creams, toners, styling products and shower gels. Typical concepts are prebiotic face creams, gentle shower gels, conditioning shampoos, leave-in sprays, styling creams with a soft hold and prebiotic toners.

Sample recipe: prebiotic face milk, 100 g

Distilled water 79.50 g, Inuline BIO 2.00 g, glycerin 3.00 g, glyceryl stearate citrate 3.00 g, cetearyl alcohol 1.50 g, caprylic/capric triglyceride 6.00 g, squalane 2.00 g, xanthan gum 0.20 g, panthenol 1.00 g, preservative 1.00 g, fragrance 0.20 g, citric acid solution 0.60 g. Dissolve inulin in the water, heat water and oil phases to 75 °C, emulsify and cool, add panthenol, the preservative and fragrance below 40 °C, and adjust to about pH 5.5.

Shower gels

Surfactants can leave the skin feeling dry and can disturb the microflora. Adding 1 to 2% inulin to a shower gel gives a softer after feel and adds a prebiotic story to a daily product.

Styling products

In styling creams and gels, inulin adds conditioning and a smooth surface to the hair, which helps the style look polished and shiny.

Natural origin

Inulin from chicory is a familiar, food grade ingredient with a simple story. It fits natural and clean label brands and is easy to explain on the pack.

Dosing

The supplier gives 1 to 2%. Shampoos, shower gels and toners work well at 1%. Face creams, milks, conditioners and styling products can use 2%. Because the dose is low and the powder dissolves easily, inulin is simple to add to an existing formula.

Storage

Store in a cool, dark place in a tightly closed container. A certificate of analysis comes with every lot.