Xylitol
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol derived from plant sources such as birch wood, corn cobs, and some fruits and vegetables. It is widely known for its use in oral care (e.g., toothpaste and chewing gum) due to its cavity-fighting properties, but it also serves a valuable role in skincare as a humectant, skin-conditioning agent, and microbiome-supportive ingredient.
In skincare, Xylitol helps improve skin hydration by enhancing water transport through the skin’s surface layers and supporting the skin’s natural moisturising factors (NMFs). It also promotes a balanced skin microbiome and has been shown to reinforce the skin barrier, making it suitable for hydrating, soothing, and barrier-repairing formulations.
Benefits for Skin
- Acts as a humectant, drawing water into the skin and improving hydration levels.
- Supports the production of natural moisturising factors (NMFs) such as amino acids and urea.
- Strengthens the skin barrier by improving the cohesion of the stratum corneum.
- Promotes a healthy skin microbiome by discouraging the growth of harmful bacteria and supporting beneficial species.
- Helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), improving skin softness and elasticity.
- Often used in moisturisers, toners, micellar waters, and sensitive skin products.
Safety & Toxicology
- Considered safe, non-toxic, and well-tolerated in topical applications.
- Non-irritating and non-sensitising, even in sensitive or compromised skin.
- Commonly used at concentrations between 1% and 5% in cosmetic products.
- Biodegradable and environmentally safe; poses no known risk to aquatic ecosystems.
- Also safe for oral use, which adds to its popularity in lip balms and dental care products.
- No known systemic toxicity or long-term adverse effects from topical use.