humectant
Xylitol
Generally safe·Strong evidence
A five-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol) that functions as an effective humectant comparable to glycerin, drawing moisture into the skin. It is well tolerated in cosmetics and assessed as safe by regulatory bodies at typical formulation levels.
Questions
- Is xylitol safe in skincare products?
- Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a humectant and preservative booster in cosmetics. Published reviews show no safety concerns at the levels used on skin, though anyone can have a reaction to any ingredient.
- Why is xylitol added to skincare?
- Xylitol draws water to the skin and can help preserve formulas. It's used in moisturizers, serums, and dental products because it's stable and relatively gentle compared to some other humectants.
Products with Xylitol
- 100BiodermaSensibio Foaming Gel
- 100Rohto HadalaboGokujun Premium Lotion
- 100BiodermaSensibio H2O Micellar Water
- 100BiodermaSensibio H2O
- 100BiodermaSensibio H2O Micellar Water Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
- 100Beauty PieTriple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum
- 99Dr. Jart+Cryo Rubber Mask With Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid
- 99CurologyGentle Cleanser
- 97L:A Bruket187 Fennel Seed Facial Wash
- 97Ursa MajorFantastic Face Wash
- 97Angela CagliaCell Forté Eye Crème
- 97The CocoonRose Serum
- 97BiodermaPhotoderm Cream SPF 50
- 95Indie LeeBrightening Cream
- 95Shani DardenRetinol Reform
- 94BybiMilk Melt Vegan Oat Milk Cleanser
- 94de MamielFatigue Fix
- 89ShiseidodProgram Acne Care Lotion MB
- 88Centellian24Madeca Cream Time Reverse
- 88St. IvesGlow Apricot Sheet Mask
- 87mCaffeineCoffee Face Serum
- 85CremoCooling Shave Cream
- 84CremoOriginal Shave Cream
- 84CremoCoconut Mango Shave Cream
- 84CremoVanilla Orchid Moisturizing Shave Cream
- 83CremoSandalwood Shave Cream
- 83CremoCooling Mint Shave Cream
- 81Salon LineS.O.S Bomba Original Condicionador
- 79LumeneNordic-C Glow Boost Essence
- 79UriageEau Thermale Water Cream
- 75EquateBeauty Energizing Facial Cleanser
- 71BioreUV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
- 68HaskellCavalo Forte Condicionador
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.