Mannitol
Sugar alcohol. Works as a humectant and a mild antioxidant on skin, neutral and safe.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Safe sugar alcohol. Humectant with mild antioxidant effect, tolerated well.
- EFSA Panel. EFSA Journal. 2017;15(11):5043.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mannitol safe during pregnancy?
Mannitol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Mannitol for?
Mannitol suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Mannitol and what does it do in cosmetics?
Sugar alcohol.
What's the INCI name for Mannitol?
The INCI name is Mannitol. It may also appear as: D-Mannitol, E421.
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