Stachyose is a natural oligosaccharide composed of four sugar units (glucose, fructose, and two galactoses), commonly extracted from plants such as beans, peas, and tubers. Known for its hydrating, soothing, and prebiotic properties, Stachyose is used in cosmetic products to support the skin barrier, enhance hydration, and promote balance in the skin microbiome. It is ideal for formulations targeting sensitive and dehydrated skin.

Chemical Composition and Structure

It is a tetrasaccharide composed of galactose, fructose, and glucose, with a complex molecular structure that contributes to its hydrating and prebiotic properties. Its structure aids in moisture retention by attracting and holding water on the skin surface, providing prolonged hydration. Additionally, it has a prebiotic effect, supporting the skin microbiome’s health and enhancing skin resilience against external stressors.

Physical Properties

Stachyose is water-soluble and appears as a white or crystalline powder. It is easily incorporated into cosmetic formulations such as serums, moisturizers, and lotions, providing a lightweight texture and hydrating effect without weighing down the skin.

Production Process

Stachyose is primarily extracted from plants such as beans and tubers through extraction and purification processes. After harvesting the raw materials, it is extracted to retain its hydrating and prebiotic properties, ensuring a high-quality and stable cosmetic ingredient.

Applications

• Medical: While primarily used in cosmetics, Stachyose is studied for its prebiotic potential, supporting intestinal flora balance and digestive health.

• Cosmetics: Stachyose is used in skincare products for its hydrating and prebiotic properties. It helps improve moisture retention, soothes sensitive skin, and supports the skin microbiome balance, making it ideal for serums, lotions, and creams for sensitive skin.

• Industry: In the cosmetic industry, Stachyose is valued for its hydrating and protective properties, finding applications in advanced skincare products, especially for sensitive and dehydrated skin formulations.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Stachyose is considered safe for cosmetic use and is biodegradable. As a plant-derived oligosaccharide, it has minimal environmental impact. However, it is essential that it be extracted from sustainable sources to ensure responsible production.

References__________________________________________________________________________

Zhang RX, Jia ZP, Kong LY, Ma HP, Ren J, Li MX, Ge X. Stachyose extract from Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. to lower plasma glucose in normal and diabetic rats by oral administration. Pharmazie. 2004 Jul;59(7):552-6.

Abstract. The hypoglycemic effects of water extract and stachyose extract (Part III) from Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. were investigated in this paper by oral administration to normal, glucose- and adrenaline-induced hyperglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The results showed that Part III had the effect of lowering fasted plasma glucose level and partially preventing hyperglycemia induced by glucose (2.5 g x kg(-1), i.p.) and adrenaline (300 microg x kg(-1), i.p.), respectively, but no obvious dose-dependent effect was found when it was administered at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg x kg(-1) for 6 days, i.g. In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, Part III (200 mg x kg(-1) for 15 days, i.g.) gave a significant decrease in blood glucose level. The results suggested that Part III, which is mainly composed of stachyose from Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch., had a significant hypoglycemic effect in glucose- and adrenaline-induced hyperglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Ta X, Wang B, Bai J, Yu J, Chen H, Wang C. The source, extraction, purification, physiological function, and application of stachyose in the food industry. Food Chem. 2024 Dec 15;461:140791. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140791. Epub 2024 Aug 6. PMID: 39163721.