Sugar alcohol (5-carbon). Humectant that retains moisture in the stratum corneum. Safe and well tolerated.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Safe humectant sugar. Retains moisture, supports microflora, neutral for the barrier.
Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol. Obtained from birch bark and corn cobs. In food it is a sugar substitute (E967) for diabetics, in cosmetics a humectant. Mechanism. Humectant – attracts moisture from air and holds it in the stratum corneum. Hygroscopic activity is comparable to glycerin and sorbitol. Additional effect – activates ceramide synthesis and improves skin barrier function (Korponyai 2017). Where applied. Serums and creams, sensitive-skin products, products for atopic patients and dry skin. Also popular in toothpaste – cariosity prevention. In Spain – in La Roche-Posay Lipikar, Bioderma Atoderm, Eucerin UreaRepair lines. Evidence base. Korponyai 2017 RCT in 32 dry-skin patients over 4 weeks of 5% xylitol use showed 25-35% hydration improvement and better barrier function. Effect comparable to glycerin with better tolerance. Also shown to stimulate ceramide synthesis in keratinocytes in vitro. Safety. CIR confirmed safety in 2018. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic. Well tolerated by sensitive skin. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Usable without restrictions. Also safe in the diet of pregnant women (as a sweetener). Suited for. Dry, sensitive, atopic skin, anti-ageing prevention, barrier recovery. One of the mildest humectants after glycerin.
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.
Xylitol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Xylitol suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
Sugar alcohol (5-carbon).
The INCI name is Xylitol. It may also appear as: Ксилит, E967.
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