Xylitol
Sugar alcohol (5-carbon). Humectant that retains moisture in the stratum corneum. Safe and well tolerated.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Safe humectant sugar. Retains moisture, supports microflora, neutral for the barrier.
- EFSA Panel. EFSA Journal. 2018;16(6):5277.
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
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Xylitol safe during pregnancy?
Xylitol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Xylitol for?
Xylitol suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Xylitol and what does it do in cosmetics?
Sugar alcohol (5-carbon).
What's the INCI name for Xylitol?
The INCI name is Xylitol. It may also appear as: E967.
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Xylitylglucoside, Xylose, Yogurt, Yogurt Powder, Cetyl Esters, Glycol Stearate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract
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