Sorbitol in skincare
A sugar alcohol with water-binding properties.
What is sorbitol?
A sugar alcohol with water-binding properties. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Sorbitol. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does sorbitol do for skin and the product?
Helps retain moisture and affects product texture.
Humectants work with water in the skin's stratum corneum. They are often combined with lipids that make the surface supple and limit moisture loss. These are different tasks within the same moisturising care.
Sugar alcohols differ from the volatile alcohol listed as alcohol denat.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about sorbitol
What does sorbitol do in skincare?
Helps retain moisture and affects product texture.
What should I know about sorbitol?
Sugar alcohols differ from the volatile alcohol listed as alcohol denat.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations