Sugar alcohol. Works as a humectant and a mild antioxidant on skin, neutral and safe.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Safe sugar alcohol. Humectant with mild antioxidant effect, tolerated well.
Mannitol is a six-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol), an isomer of sorbitol. Naturally found in algae, mushrooms, and manna (hence the name). In cosmetics – humectant and osmolyte. Mechanism. Pulls moisture from air into the stratum corneum. As an osmolyte it maintains keratinocyte osmotic balance and protects from dehydration. A mild antioxidant, neutralizes the hydroxyl radical (Smirnoff 2001). Where applied. Creams, toners, serums, masks. Concentration 0.5–5%. Often in mature and dry skin formulas with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol. Evidence base. Few topical clinical RCTs; the evidence rests on empirical use of moisturizing sugar alcohols. CIR confirmed safety at cosmetic concentrations. Pregnancy and lactation – topically safe. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Mannitol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Mannitol suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
Sugar alcohol.
The INCI name is Mannitol. It may also appear as: D-Mannitol, E421.
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