Erythritol ●
TL;DR. This ingredient primarily acts as a humectant, helping bind water in the formula and on the skin. It can also support a light, non-tacky skin feel in water-based products.
What does Erythritol do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient primarily acts as a humectant, helping bind water in the formula and on the skin. It can also support a light, non-tacky skin feel in water-based products.
Is Erythritol clean?
From a clean beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well tolerated, low-odor, and not a common sensitizer. It is not a typical focus of restricted lists when made to cosmetic purity standards.
Is Erythritol sustainable?
It is commonly produced by fermentation of plant-derived sugars, with corn or other starch crops as common feedstocks. It is water soluble and readily biodegradable, with low persistence concerns.
Is Erythritol COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic frameworks when produced from approved natural feedstocks and processing methods. Its fermentation route, high water solubility, and biodegradability fit Green Chemistry expectations well.
How does Erythritol work chemically?
The molecule is a small, highly polar polyol with four hydroxyl groups, which explains its water binding and non-oily feel. It is typically used at low single-digit percentages in leave-on products, is stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges, and pairs easily with water, glycols, and common emulsifier systems.
Last updated 2026-05-13