Fucose
AKA “L-fucopyranose, 6-Deoxy-L-galactopyranose, L-galactomethylose, (3S, 4R, 5S, 6S)-6-methyloxane-2, 3, 4, 5-tetrol, 6-deoxy-galactose, L-Fuc, CHEBI:2181, 6-deoxy-galactopyranose, 6-Deoxy-Galactopyranoside, 6-Deoxy-L-Galactopyranoside
Skin Conditioning
Ingredient Facts
Fucose
AKA: L-fucopyranose, 6-Deoxy-L-galactopyranose, L-galactomethylose, (3S, 4R, 5S, 6S)-6-methyloxane-2, 3, 4, 5-tetrol, 6-deoxy-galactose, L-Fuc, CHEBI:2181, 6-deoxy-galactopyranose, 6-Deoxy-Galactopyranoside, 6-Deoxy-L-Galactopyranoside
Skin Conditioning · Skin Conditioning · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Sugar-Based Active
Not Clean
Fucose is under investigation in clinical trial NCT03354533 (Study of ORL-1F (L-fucose) in Patients With Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type II).
Effective at 10.0%
Formula
C6H12O5
Mol. Weight
164.16
CAS #
2438-80-4
Form
Powder
State
White crystals; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A simple sugar discovered in the 20th century as a component of brown algae and seaweed. Its cosmetic use is a modern development based on its potential hydrating and antioxidant properties, with no traditional skincare applications.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
7.5e-06%
20.0%
0%28%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.0000075-1 | 0.0001-20
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR