Sorbitol ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a humectant and moisture-balancing agent, used to bind water in skin, hair, and oral-care formulas. It can also add slip, reduce drying feel, and support texture in water-based systems.
What does Sorbitol do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a humectant and moisture-balancing agent, used to bind water in skin, hair, and oral-care formulas. It can also add slip, reduce drying feel, and support texture in water-based systems.
Is Sorbitol clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is well tolerated, low in irritation potential, and not a typical restricted-list concern. Sensitivity is uncommon at normal cosmetic use levels.
Is Sorbitol sustainable?
This material is commonly made from plant-derived glucose, often from corn or other starch crops. It is water soluble, readily biodegradable, and not associated with environmental persistence.
Is Sorbitol COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and can fit COSMOS-organic formulas when sourcing and processing documentation meet the standard. Its renewable feedstock potential, biodegradability, and low-residue profile align well with Green Chemistry priorities.
How does Sorbitol work chemically?
The molecule is a six-carbon polyol with multiple hydroxyl groups, which explains its strong water-binding behavior and high water solubility. It is typically used around 1 to 10% in leave-on skin care, higher in some rinse-off or oral-care formats, and is broadly stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges.
Last updated 2026-05-13