The Aroma-Zone Prebiotics Active

INCI Name: Inulin/Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide

VEGAN

BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Most prebiotics are polysaccharides, i.e., complex sugars or long chains of linked sugars. Unlike bacteria, humans are unable to digest them. One of the most commonly used prebiotics in cosmetics is inulin, a fructose polysaccharide found in chicory and artichokes.

SUSTAINABILITY & TRACEABILITY

The inulin used by Aroma-Zone is extracted from agave or Jerusalem artichokes. Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is obtained through biotechnology, via an enzymatic reaction of sucrose extracted from sugar beets and maltose extracted from wheat.

Prebiotics are substances that stimulate the growth of microorganisms beneficial to the body. Unlike probiotics, which directly introduce live microorganisms, prebiotics serve as food for beneficial bacteria.

In cosmetics, prebiotics help support the skin flora, also known as the "microbiome." In fact, there's a whole world living on your skin! More than 10,000 microorganisms per cm². This skin microbiota plays a vital role in the health and beauty of the skin: it helps defend against pathogens, strengthens the skin barrier for better-hydrated skin that is less prone to irritation, fights inflammation, and also protects the skin from oxidative stress, which causes premature ageing.

Many skin problems are associated with an imbalanced microbiome, such as dry skin, chronic irritation (dermatitis), or acne. In the case of dermatitis, Staphylococcus aureus can compromise the skin barrier. Regarding acne, the proliferation of the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes on the skin's surface causes inflammation of the sebaceous glands.

By rebalancing the skin's microbiome, prebiotics support the skin's barrier function, combat dehydration, and soften and soothe the skin. They also help prevent the appearance of blemishes.

Participants with atopic dermatitis used prebiotic-based cleansers and a cream for 2 months. 

Their skin dryness decreased in 96% of cases, and the severity of their dermatitis decreased by more than 50%.*

*See the Scientific Bibliography for more information.

A Note from Adeline Nalin, Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist at Aroma-Zone

"Inulin is a cosmetic ingredient that is highly tolerated by the skin. It acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of commensal bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and limiting the proliferation of pathogens (S. aureus, E. coli), thereby helping to maintain the balance of the skin microbiome. In vivo studies* show that topical application of inulin significantly improves skin hydration (measured by corneometry) and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), thanks to its humectant and film-forming properties. Tolerance tests indicate that it is non-irritating, non-sensitising, and non-comedogenic, even on sensitive skin."

*See the Scientific Bibliography for more information.

Adeline Nalin - Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist

A Note from Our Aroma-Zone Toxicologist

“Inulin is a natural polysaccharide widely used in cosmetics and nutrition. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), plant-based polysaccharide gums, including inulin, are safe under current cosmetic use conditions, with no specific restrictions.”

Adeline Nalin - Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist

A Note from the Dermatologist

“Prebiotics boost the presence of the ‘good microbes’ naturally found on the surface of our skin. 

By supporting this ecosystem, they improve the skin's natural defences and reduce inflammation and dehydration. They are therefore particularly beneficial for sensitive, reactive, redness-prone, and atopic skin.

They can be easily incorporated into your routine, morning and/or evening, in combination with a suitable moisturiser.”

Dr. Dima Haidar - Dermatologist

In formulations, it is essential to distinguish between probiotics and prebiotics.

Probiotics are living microorganisms—in other words, bacteria introduced directly to support the balance of the microbiome.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are not alive: they nourish the skin microbiome that is already present. In cosmetics, we use inulin, for example, a prebiotic known to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria at the expense of microorganisms involved in imbalances. This approach helps guide the skin toward a more stable environment without disrupting its natural ecosystem.

Prebiotics are particularly suited for sensitive, dehydrated, or dry skin, as well as for skin prone to breakouts. 

Prebiotics help address several common skin concerns: dehydration, dryness, irritation, tightness, and redness. By supporting skin balance, they can also help reduce the appearance of comedones and blackheads.

• Rebalance the skin microbiome

• Preserve hydration

• Strengthen the skin barrier

• Improve comfort

• Skin softer, more soothed, and visibly more stable

• Gradual reduction in imperfections.

Gentle Prebiotic, Zinc & Cucumber Cleansing Gel

This purifying cleansing gel gently removes makeup and impurities while respecting the skin's pH balance. Its 100% naturally derived formula, made with organic cucumber, organic inulin, and zinc PCA, softens, rebalances, and helps reduce blackheads and blemishes. Ideal for all skin types, it cleanses without drying or tightening the skin. Use it as is or customise it to suit your needs.

Vitamin B12 & Prebiotics Concentrated Serum

Help your skin regain its calm with this high-tolerance serum. Its proven-effective action immediately reduces all signs of discomfort (redness, tightness, itching) and supports your skin’s future by restoring its barrier. Ideal for sensitive skin.

I'm Delphine Duc, a biological engineer specialising in cosmetology, and I've been passionate about the field of cosmetics for almost 10 years. I started making my own homemade cosmetics using Aroma Zone products to tackle my skin problems. Eventually, I decided to train as a cosmetologist and ultimately to create a bespoke cosmetics brand to address everyone’s individual skin concerns.