Mannitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol and cosmetic ingredient belonging to the polyol family. It is also known as D-Mannitol or Mannite and is identified by CAS Number 69-65-8. Mannitol has the molecular formula C₆H₁₄O₆ and a molecular weight of 182.17 g/mol.
In cosmetic formulations, Mannitol is recognized for its humectant, moisturising, skin-conditioning and binding functions. Its ability to interact with moisture makes it useful in formulations where maintaining hydration and desirable product texture is important. Cosmetic ingredient references also recognize Mannitol as a binding ingredient, particularly for powdered products.
Mannitol is generally supplied as a white or almost white crystalline powder or crystals. It is freely soluble in water and has limited solubility in alcohol, making it particularly suitable for aqueous cosmetic formulation systems.
Mannitol is a six-carbon polyol with the molecular formula C₆H₁₄O₆ and molecular weight 182.17 g/mol. The specific stereochemical form used commercially is D-Mannitol.
Mannitol can be manufactured through different industrial routes, including hydrogenation-based processes and fermentation processes. The manufacturing route can influence the impurity profile, particularly the presence of related polyols such as sorbitol, maltitol and isomalt.
The harmonized USP-NF specification defines Mannitol as containing 97.0–102.0% mannitol on a dried basis. The official assay uses liquid chromatography with a refractive-index detector, making LC/HPLC-based assay appropriate where the product is tested according to the applicable pharmacopoeial procedure.
Ph. Eur./BP specifications similarly define D-Mannitol at 97.0–102.0% on the dried substance and identify specific optical rotation of approximately +23° to +25° under the prescribed test conditions.
Mannitol functions as a humectant, helping hold and retain moisture within cosmetic formulations. This property makes it relevant to products designed to maintain desirable moisture characteristics.
It is also recognized as a moisturising ingredient, supporting formulations intended to increase water content and maintain skin softness and smoothness. As a skin-conditioning ingredient, Mannitol can contribute to maintaining the desired condition of the skin.
Mannitol also has a binding function, which can be useful in powdered cosmetic systems. Its crystalline nature and compatibility with aqueous systems provide formulation flexibility across different product formats.
Mannitol can be considered for a variety of cosmetic and personal-care applications, including:
In skin-care formulations, Mannitol can contribute to moisture management and skin-conditioning characteristics. In powdered products, its binding properties can help support the cohesion and physical structure of the formulation.
Mannitol is also useful where formulators require a polyol different from Sorbitol. Although both materials have the same molecular formula and molecular weight, they are different stereochemical compounds with different physical and formulation properties.
Mannitol is freely soluble in water but has limited solubility in ethanol. It also exhibits polymorphism, meaning that different crystalline forms can occur and may influence physical characteristics such as flow, dissolution and processing behavior.
For formulation development, manufacturers should consider particle size, crystalline form, water content, concentration and compatibility with other ingredients. The physical form can be particularly important in powders and dry cosmetic systems.
A USP/Ph. Eur.-aligned commercial grade reports water NMT 0.5%, loss on drying around 0.2%, residue on ignition NMT 0.1%, and melting range around 165–170°C. Related substances such as D-sorbitol and isomalt/maltitol are also controlled in applicable pharmacopoeial-grade specifications.
The actual SDP product specification should always be used for commercial release testing because cosmetic-grade specifications can differ from pharmaceutical-grade specifications.
Mannitol is a versatile cosmetic ingredient used in skin-care, moisturising and powder-based cosmetic formulations. A Mannitol Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India can support cosmetic and personal-care manufacturers requiring controlled-quality D-Mannitol for formulation development and commercial production.
For B2B procurement, important parameters include identity, D-Mannitol assay, water content, related polyols, specific rotation, residue on ignition, melting range, particle characteristics and applicable elemental impurity limits.
Mannitol can be supplied according to the required technical or pharmacopoeial grade. Selecting the correct grade is important because cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food applications can have different specification requirements.
As a cosmetic raw material and personal care ingredient, Mannitol provides humectant, moisturising, skin-conditioning and binding functionality for suitable formulation systems.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 97.0–102.0% on dried basis |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 0.5% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.1% |
| pH (1% Solution) | 5.0–8.0 |
| Water Content | NMT 0.5% |
| Melting Point | 165–170°C |