Ribose

Ribose is a cosmetic ingredient used as a humectant, skin conditioning agent. It is used in 50 products in our dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 893 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI nameRIBOSE
FunctionHUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING
CAS number50-69-1
EC number200-059-4
Prevalence50 products (0.05% of dataset)
Most used inSkincare
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Scientific studies893 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches12,100

Used in

Serums 22%General Moisturizers 16%Eye Moisturizers 12%Night Moisturizers 12%Essences 8%Toners 8%

Frequently asked

What does Ribose do in skincare?
Ribose functions as a humectant, skin conditioning agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Ribose allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Ribose?
It is most commonly found in Skincare products, especially serums (22% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Ribose

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.