Xylitol

Humectant, sweetener
Xylitol is a finely crystalline humectant and is traditionally used in dental care products or as an alternative sweetener in food.

INCI
Xylitol

Natural cosmetics compliant 

Characteristics

The multifunctional sugar alcohol for cosmetics and food

Humectants are essential components of emulsions and other water-based skin care products. They provide moisture, dissolve active ingredients, and protect the product from drying out. In surfactant formulations, they mitigate skin irritation and reduce the aggressiveness of the surfactants. In dental care products, they also serve as sweeteners.

Xylitol, also known as wood sugar alcohol, is a sugar alcohol obtained from birch and beech bark. It is produced by the hydrogenation of xylose (wood sugar) contained in the fibers of the bark and has about 40% fewer calories than sugar. Furthermore, it does not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar, which makes it popular among diabetics as well as fructose-intolerant individuals. Industrially, it is used as a low-calorie sweetener in products such as chewing gum, candies, and sugar-free confectionery, which also contribute to dental care. It has also long been used in the home as a sugar alternative for sweetening and baking. However, it should be noted that it can have a laxative effect if consumed in excess or in cases of intolerance.

In dental care products, xylitol is used for its sweet taste, but at a concentration of 30% or more, it also possesses preservative properties due to its water-binding effect. It is particularly valued, however, for its growth-inhibiting effect on caries-causing bacteria, as these cannot use xylitol as an energy source. Furthermore, xylitol stimulates saliva flow, which contributes to the remineralization of the teeth and reduces the risk of dental disease. It is also interesting that xylitol has a cooling effect in the mouth because it absorbs heat from its surroundings when it dissolves. This process is called endothermy and causes the temperature on the tongue to drop, which creates the cooling sensation.

Xylitol can also be used as a humectant in skin care products, as it acts similarly to glycerin. It helps the skin retain moisture and prevents it from being released too quickly.

Recommended concentration and processing

• 2 - 5% in skin care products
  
• up to 80% in dental care products
• add to the water phase

Features at a glance

• excellent moisturizer
  
• serves as a sweetener and "preservative" in dental care products
• mitigates skin irritation from surfactants
  
• protects the product from drying out
  
• can be combined with other humectants
  
• for sweetening, cooking, and baking