Sorbitol
Also known as D-Sorbitol, D-Glucitol, Glucitol, Sorbol, 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexanehexol
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Sorbitol (D-glucitol; CAS 50-70-4; C6H14O6) is a six-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol) produced by reduction of glucose. In cosmetic formulations it functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, attracting and retaining water in the stratum corneum via its six hydroxyl groups. The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety assessed sorbitol together with mannitol and xylitol in a 2025 group assessment (Cherian, Bergfeld, Belsito et al., Int J Toxicol 44(1_suppl):22S-43S, PMID 39555956) and concluded that these sugar alcohol ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment. No concentration cap or use conditions were imposed. The 2018 CIR Quick Reference Table does not carry a standalone SORBITOL row because the definitive assessment was published in 2025, after the QRT revision date; the 2025 IJT paper is the authoritative ingredient-specific CIR source. Sorbitol is also FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food use and is widely used as a sweetener, humectant, and plasticizer in pharmaceutical and food applications. Sorbitol does not penetrate intact skin at cosmetically relevant concentrations; its large molecular size (MW 182 Da) and high hydrophilicity limit dermal absorption.
Effective humectant and skin-conditioning agent that binds water via six hydroxyl groups, increasing stratum corneum hydration
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration (Cherian et al., IJT 44(1_suppl):22S-43S, 2025, PMID 39555956)
FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food use; long safety history across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications
Naturally derived (industrial production via glucose hydrogenation or fermentation); commonly positioned as a plant-derived, biocompatible humectant
High water-binding capacity; contributes to moisture retention without the occlusive skin feel of heavier emollients
- · No dermal safety concerns identified at cosmetic use concentrations; the CIR 2025 expert panel imposed no concentration limits or conditions
- · Oral ingestion at high doses can cause osmotic diarrhea — not relevant to topical cosmetic use at typical concentrations
Safety Assessment of Mannitol, Sorbitol, and Xylitol as Used in Cosmetics (Cherian, Bergfeld, Belsito et al., Int J Toxicol 44(1_suppl):2…
“The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of Mannitol, Sorbitol, and Xylitol as used in cosmetics. These ingredients are reported to function as humectants, skin-conditioning agents, or flavoring agents. [Conclusion:] these sugar alcohol ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment.”— Int J Toxicol 44(1_suppl):22S-43S, 2025; PMID 39555956; abstract