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Comprehensive Cosmetic Industry Ingredient Guide

THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

THE INGRIDIENT BELOW IS NOT USED IN MITOSKIN FORMULATION UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

Ingredient
Sorbitol

Sorbitol

Summary

Sorbitol is a versatile cosmetic ingredient that is widely used in the formulation of personal care products. It is a sugar alcohol that is derived from corn syrup and has excellent moisturizing properties, making it an ideal ingredient for skin and hair care products. Sorbitol is also a humectant, which means it helps to retain moisture in the skin and hair, making them look and feel soft and supple. Additionally, sorbitol has a cooling effect on the skin, making it a popular ingredient in after-sun products. It is also used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. Overall, sorbitol is a valuable ingredient in the cosmetic industry due to its moisturizing, humectant, and cooling properties.

INCI Name and Common References

INCI Name: Sorbitol Common Terms: Sorbitol Nicknames: None

Function

Sorbitol is a humectant that is commonly used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, which can help to keep it hydrated and supple. Sorbitol is also used as a thickener and stabilizer in some cosmetic products, helping to give them a smooth and creamy texture. Additionally, it can help to improve the spreadability of certain formulations, making them easier to apply and more effective at delivering their active ingredients to the skin. Overall, sorbitol is a versatile ingredient that plays an important role in many different types of cosmetic formulations.

Science

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sweetener and humectant in food and personal care products. Its physical properties include a high solubility in water, a low hygroscopicity, and a low caloric value. When sorbitol is added to a product, it can help to retain moisture and prevent drying out. This is because sorbitol has a low hygroscopicity, meaning it does not readily absorb water from the environment. Instead, it can attract and hold onto water molecules, helping to keep the product moist. In addition, sorbitol has a low caloric value compared to other sugars, making it a popular choice for low-calorie and sugar-free products. When consumed, sorbitol is slowly metabolized by the body, resulting in a lower glycemic response and fewer calories absorbed. Overall, the physical properties of sorbitol make it a useful ingredient in a variety of products, providing moisture retention and sweetness without adding excess calories.

Benefits

1. Moisturizing: Sorbitol is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. 2. Anti-aging: Sorbitol helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin elasticity and firmness. 3. Soothing: Sorbitol has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm and soothe irritated or inflamed skin. 4. Exfoliating: Sorbitol can act as a gentle exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover for a brighter, smoother complexion. 5. Barrier repair: Sorbitol can help to strengthen the skin's natural barrier function, protecting it from environmental stressors and preventing moisture loss. 6. Non-irritating: Sorbitol is a gentle ingredient that is well-tolerated by most skin types, making it a great choice for sensitive or reactive skin.

Negatives

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener in many food and beverage products. While it is generally considered safe for consumption, there are some potential side effects and sensitivities to be aware of. One of the most common side effects of consuming sorbitol is digestive upset, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This is because sorbitol is not fully absorbed by the body and can ferment in the gut, leading to these symptoms. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive disorders may be particularly sensitive to sorbitol and should limit their intake. Sorbitol may also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and diuretics. It can also interfere with the absorption of some nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium, which can lead to deficiencies over time. In addition, some people may be allergic or sensitive to sorbitol, experiencing symptoms such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming sorbitol, you should seek medical attention immediately. Overall, sorbitol is considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, if you have any concerns about potential side effects or interactions with other ingredients, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Source

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, including apples, pears, peaches, and prunes. It can also be synthesized from glucose through a process called hydrogenation. Sorbitol is commonly used as a sweetener and humectant in food and personal care products. The processing pathway for sorbitol involves the hydrogenation of glucose, which converts the aldehyde group to a hydroxyl group, resulting in the formation of sorbitol. The sorbitol is then purified and crystallized to produce a white, odorless, and sweet-tasting powder. Sorbitol can also be produced through fermentation of glucose by certain bacteria and yeasts.

Safety

Sorbitol has a low safety rating score according to the EWG Skin Deep database, with a score of 1 out of 10. This indicates that it is considered to be a low hazard ingredient for use in personal care products. Other sources, such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, have also deemed sorbitol to be safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. Overall, sorbitol is considered to be a safe ingredient for use in personal care products.

Sustainability

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sweetener in food and personal care products. While it is generally considered safe for consumption, its environmental impact and ethical sourcing practices are important to consider. In terms of environmental impact, sorbitol is derived from corn or wheat, which are often grown using intensive farming practices that can contribute to soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the production of sorbitol requires a significant amount of energy and water, which can further contribute to environmental degradation. In terms of ethical sourcing practices, it is important to ensure that the corn or wheat used to produce sorbitol is grown in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. This may involve sourcing from farmers who use regenerative agriculture practices, prioritize soil health, and pay fair wages to their workers. Overall, while sorbitol can be a useful ingredient in certain products, it is important to consider its environmental impact and ethical sourcing practices in order to minimize its negative effects on the planet and its people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sorbitol is a versatile ingredient that functions as a sweetener, humectant, and thickener in various food and personal care products. Its scientific properties make it a suitable alternative to sugar for people with diabetes and those who want to reduce their calorie intake. However, excessive consumption of sorbitol can cause digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea. Sorbitol can be found naturally in fruits and vegetables, but it is mostly produced through industrial processes. Its safety has been approved by regulatory agencies, but it is important to consume it in moderation. In terms of sustainability, the production of sorbitol can have negative environmental impacts, but efforts are being made to improve its sustainability through the use of renewable resources and eco-friendly production methods.

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