Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Pro-Xylane, HTP
Derived from xylose (a sugar abundant in beech trees) | Used in skin care products for its purported anti-ageing and hydrating properties
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol products at Skintique
View all →
What Is Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol?
Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol (also known as Pro-Xylane or HTP) is used in skin care products for its purported anti-aging and hydrating properties. It is a sugar-protein hybrid derived from xylose (a sugar abundant in beech trees) and is typically produced through a chemical modification process that enhances its stability.
This cosmetic ingredient was developed by L’Oreal, and as such, studies related to its efficacy tend to have conflicts of interest due to their ties to L’Oreal brands. This does not mean that hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol can’t be effective for skin—it’s just something to keep in mind in terms of potential research bias.
Of note, the Research Group of L’Oréal claims hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol helps support glycosaminoglycans within skin. Glycosaminoglycans are a fundamental component of skin tissue that play an integral role in skin’s natural ability to retain water (aka hydration).
Another study suggests hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol is beneficial for post-menopausal skin as it improves the quantitative composition of sebum and epidermal lipids that are typically depleted during this phase of life. This study also indicates hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol may play a role in improving skin’s barrier strength.
Other potential benefits of hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol as claimed by its suppliers include pro-collagen and anti-wrinkle effects when used in concentrations between 2-5%. At the time of this writing, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has not analyzed this ingredient’s safety profile but there does not appear to be any concerns.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
-
UL Prospector (supplier info), Accessed June 2023, ePublication [https://www.ulprospector.com/en/na/PersonalCare]
-
Contact Dermatitis, June 2017, pages 60-61 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cod.12756]
-
Acta DermatoVenereologica, November 2016, pages 541-542 [https://medicaljournalssweden.se/actadv/article/view/5057]
-
Carbohydrate Chemistry: Chemical and Biological Approaches, 2014, pages 1-10 [https://books.google.com/books?id=a1BBAwAAQBAJ]
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
Not sure what your skin actually needs?
Two minutes, a few questions, and we’ll point you at what matters — no guesswork.
Take the skin quizRelated Ingredients
Hamamelis Virginiana Flower Water
A plant-derived water that gently tones and soothes without over-drying
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
A plant-derived water with antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties
Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
Plant extract with gentle astringent and conditioning properties for balanced skin
Hypericum Perforatum Extract
A plant extract with traditional skin-comforting roots and emerging research support
Iron Picolinate
An iron-binding compound with potential antioxidant properties for photoprotection
Isoleucine
An essential amino acid that provides hydrating benefits | Plays a role in maintaining collagen and elastin (when consumed)
Learn More About Skincare Ingredients
Explore our comprehensive ingredient glossary to understand what's in your products.
Browse All IngredientsShop Our Products
Find professional skincare solutions at Skintique.