The Index · Humectant / sugar alcohol
Xylitol
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol humectant that helps attract and hold water in the formula.
ModerateConventional cosmetic INCI with established use context.
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Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol humectant that helps attract and hold water in the formula.
What it does
Supports the formula as a humectant / sugar alcohol line item on cosmetic labels.
The evidence
Evidence grade moderate: Conventional cosmetic INCI with established use context from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer definitions and INCI databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].
How to use it
Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labelled as a featured active.
Evidence by claim
Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim
Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol humectant that helps attract and hold water in the formula.[1]
ModerateSafety & limits
Source and region, always
all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment. CIR (2010)regulator
- [2]SpecialChem. SpecialChem INCI profile: Xylitol. SpecialChem (2024)other
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk