Erythritol is a four-carbon sugar alcohol and cosmetic ingredient belonging to the polyol family. It is identified by CAS Number 149-32-6, with the molecular formula C₄H₁₀O₄ and molecular weight 122.12 g/mol. It is also known as meso-erythritol, erythrite and 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol.
Erythritol is generally obtained through fermentation of carbohydrate-derived raw materials. It occurs as a white, odourless crystalline material and is highly compatible with water-based formulation systems. Cosmetic ingredient references recognize Erythritol primarily as a humectant and moisturising/skin-conditioning ingredient.
Its small molecular structure and polyol functionality give Erythritol the ability to interact with water, making it useful for formulations where moisture management and a comfortable skin feel are desired.
Erythritol is a four-carbon polyhydric alcohol with the molecular formula C₄H₁₀O₄ and molecular weight 122.12 g/mol. The USP-NF monograph identifies it as 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol and specifies an assay of 96.0–102.0% on an anhydrous basis.
FCC specifications describe Erythritol as white crystals that are soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol, with a melting range of 119–123°C.
JECFA specifications identify Erythritol as a fermentation-derived material and specify an assay of NLT 99% after drying. The same specification identifies its principal characteristics as white, odourless, non-hygroscopic and heat-stable crystals.
Because different standards use different analytical limits, the applicable specification should always be matched to the actual commercial grade supplied.
Erythritol functions primarily as a humectant and moisturising ingredient. Its polyol structure enables it to interact with water and contribute to moisture retention in suitable cosmetic formulations.
As a skin-conditioning ingredient, Erythritol can be incorporated into products designed to maintain desirable skin hydration and a smooth sensory profile. Its use is particularly relevant to modern hydration formulations where formulators want a polyol-based ingredient alongside other humectants.
Erythritol can also provide formulation functionality in oral-care and personal-care products. Cosmetic ingredient references identify its use in products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, creams, lotions, makeup, perfumes and deodorants.
Erythritol can be considered for a variety of cosmetic and personal-care formulations, including:
Its high water solubility allows it to be incorporated into aqueous formulations relatively easily. Erythritol is also non-hygroscopic according to the JECFA specification, which can be advantageous when handling and processing crystalline material.
Erythritol should be distinguished from Sorbitol, Mannitol and Xylitol. These are also polyols with humectant applications, but they have different molecular structures and physical properties.
Erythritol is soluble in water and has limited solubility in alcohol. Its crystalline form and particle size should be considered when it is incorporated into powder or solid formulations.
For aqueous products, formulators should evaluate the desired concentration, viscosity, osmotic characteristics and sensory profile. Erythritol can be combined with other humectants when developing multi-humectant systems, but the final formulation should be tested for stability and desired skin feel.
Quality-control parameters can include assay, water or loss on drying, residue on ignition, related polyols, reducing sugars, elemental impurities and physical characteristics.
The USP-NF specification gives 96.0–102.0% Erythritol on anhydrous basis, while FCC/JECFA specifications provide additional controls. These standards should not be mixed indiscriminately; the actual product grade should be tested against its designated specification.
Erythritol is a specialty cosmetic ingredient used in moisturising, skin-conditioning and personal-care formulations. A Erythritol Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India can support cosmetic manufacturers requiring controlled-quality Erythritol for formulation development and commercial production.
For B2B procurement, manufacturers should evaluate the CAS number, assay, water content, related substances, physical form, particle characteristics and applicable quality standard.
Erythritol can be supplied according to the required cosmetic or applicable compendial grade. The actual specification and COA should always correspond to the material supplied.
As a cosmetic raw material and personal care ingredient, Erythritol provides a water-compatible polyol option for formulations requiring humectant and skin-conditioning functionality.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 96.0–102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 0.2% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.1% |
| Melting Point | 119–123°C |