Maltitol

TL;DR. This ingredient is used mainly as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping formulas hold water and maintain a smooth feel. In oral care, it can also support sweetness and moisture without relying on fermentable sugars.

What does Maltitol do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is used mainly as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping formulas hold water and maintain a smooth feel. In oral care, it can also support sweetness and moisture without relying on fermentable sugars.

Is Maltitol clean?

It is generally well tolerated, not a common fragrance allergen, and is not a typical clean-standard restricted-list ingredient. The main practical caveat is that high levels can make formulas feel tacky, and oral-care products may consider digestive tolerance if meaningful amounts are swallowed.

Is Maltitol sustainable?

This material is commonly made from plant starch-derived carbohydrates, often from corn or wheat supply chains. It is water soluble and expected to be readily biodegradable, with low persistence concerns in rinse-off use.

Is Maltitol COSMOS-approved?

It is generally compatible with COSMOS-natural formulas and can fit COSMOS-organic when the agricultural feedstock and processing meet the standard. From a Green Chemistry view, it aligns well through renewable carbohydrate sourcing, water compatibility, and biodegradability.

How does Maltitol work chemically?

The molecule is a disaccharide-derived polyol with many hydroxyl groups, which explains its strong water binding and high water solubility. It is typically used in low single-digit to about 10% ranges for humectancy, with higher levels possible in oral-care systems, and it is broadly stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges.

Last updated 2026-05-13