GLUCOSE OXIDASE
Glucose oxidase is an enzyme, meaning a protein that speeds up a chemical reaction. It is not a form of glucose added to sweeten or moisturize skin: it acts on glucose in the presence of oxygen, producing gluconolactone and hydrogen peroxide in that reaction.
GLUCOSE OXIDASE: what it is
Glucose oxidase is an enzyme, meaning a protein that speeds up a chemical reaction. It is not a form of glucose added to sweeten or moisturize skin: it acts on glucose in the presence of oxygen, producing gluconolactone and hydrogen peroxide in that reaction.
The enzyme occurs in different microorganisms; the BRENDA enzyme database includes records for, among others, Aspergillus niger. The name on an ingredient list therefore refers to an enzyme rather than to the sugar glucose itself. That distinction explains why it can be present in a formula without serving the same purpose as more familiar sugar-based ingredients.
GLUCOSE OXIDASE: what it does in cosmetics
In cosmetics, glucose oxidase works as a light stabilizer. In practical terms, it helps protect the product itself from deterioration caused by light, supporting the preservation of the formulation's characteristics during its shelf life.
The expected benefit is indirect: it concerns keeping the formula stable, rather than providing an immediate moisturizing, conditioning, or treatment effect on skin or hair. Because its chemical activity involves glucose and oxygen, it should not be confused with an active that delivers the same result on its own in every product.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
