Ingredient dictionary

Fructose

Also listed as: Fruit sugar

Fructose is a simple sugar, the same kind found in fruit and honey, that mainly works as a humectant by drawing water toward the skin. It is on the label of 12 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Fructose does

Draws water into the top layer of skin
Helps keep formulas smooth and spreadable
Adds mild sweetness to some formulas

Fructose is a plant-derived sugar. It occurs naturally in fruit and honey, and the version used in cosmetics is usually made from corn or other plant starches. Formulators use it because it is a small molecule that attracts water, which adds a light, moisture-holding effect without a heavy feel.

In a formula, fructose dissolves easily in water and blends smoothly with other ingredients. It can add a faint sweetness, and it does not usually leave a heavy film. Like other sugars, it works best in water-based products, where it helps a formula feel smooth and balanced.

Good for

Suits most skin types, including dry skin, and appears often in serums, moisturizers, cleansers and deodorants.

Frequently asked questions

Is fructose the same as the sugar in fruit?

Yes, it is the same simple sugar that occurs naturally in fruit and honey. The fructose in skincare is usually made from plant starches, but its chemical makeup is the same. It is not a fruit acid, and it does not work like an exfoliant.

Can fructose cause irritation?

Fructose is generally well tolerated and does not usually irritate skin. Like any ingredient, a person can react to a product, so a patch test on a small area is a sensible first step. If stinging or redness occurs, stop using the product.