Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a type of sugar that can be created synthetically or derived from natural sources. Similar to glycerin, it is a hydrating ingredient (technically a humectant), texture enhancer, and stabilizer.

Its sugar component makes sorbitol an intriguing prebiotic, an ingredient that can “feed” the probiotics that make up a person’s skin microbiome, thus helping it become balanced. Specifically, sorbitol’s breakdown by certain probiotics can create beta-glucan, a skin-calming antioxidant.

Newer research is showing that sorbitol is a useful addition to delivery systems that enhance the penetration and stability of natural antioxidants.

Typical usage levels of sorbitol in skin care range from 5–50%, with amounts between 0.2–3.6% used in makeup, including powders.

Sorbitol is considered safe as used in cosmetics. In fact, in the United States it has GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status as a food additive. From the safety report: “When used in foods, sorbitol may not exceed 99% in hard candy and cough drops, 75% in chewing gum, 98% in soft candy, 30% in non-standardized jams and jellies, 30% in baked goods and baking mixes, 17% in frozen dairy desserts, and 12% in all other foods.”