Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol and cosmetic ingredient belonging to the polyol family. It is identified by CAS Number 87-99-0, with the molecular formula C₅H₁₂O₅ and molecular weight 152.15 g/mol.
Xylitol occurs naturally in small quantities in various plants and fruits and is also commercially produced from plant-derived carbohydrate materials. In cosmetic formulations, it is primarily valued for its humectant and skin-conditioning properties.
As a highly water-soluble polyol, Xylitol can interact with water and help maintain moisture within cosmetic formulations. This makes it relevant to moisturising and hydration-focused products, particularly skin-care formulations. Cosmetic ingredient references identify humectant and skin-conditioning/humectant functions for Xylitol.
Xylitol is a five-carbon polyhydric alcohol with the molecular formula C₅H₁₂O₅ and molecular weight 152.15 g/mol. Its chemical name is 1,2,3,4,5-pentahydroxypentane.
The material is generally supplied as white crystals or a crystalline powder. It is highly soluble in water; an FCC reference describes approximately 1 g dissolving in about 0.65 mL of water, while Xylitol is only sparingly soluble in ethanol.
The USP-NF monograph defines Xylitol as containing 98.5–101.0% C₅H₁₂O₅, calculated on the anhydrous basis. This establishes Xylitol as a well-characterized polyol with controlled purity requirements.
For cosmetic raw-material procurement, the exact grade is important because food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic specifications may use different analytical limits. The actual supplier COA should therefore be used for final release specifications.
Xylitol functions primarily as a humectant, helping hold and retain moisture in cosmetic formulations. It is also recognized as a skin-conditioning humectant, supporting formulations designed to preserve desirable skin moisture.
Its water-binding characteristics make it useful in hydration-focused formulations where formulators want to improve the moisture profile of the product. Xylitol can be incorporated into aqueous systems because of its high water solubility.
Xylitol should not be confused with Xylitylglucoside, which is a different cosmetic ingredient containing xylitol as part of its chemical structure. Similarly, Xylityl Caprate/Caprylate and Xylityl Sesquicaprylate are chemically different derivatives and should have separate product pages and specifications.
Xylitol can be considered for a range of cosmetic and personal-care formulations, including:
Its primary role is associated with moisture management rather than preservation. Therefore, Xylitol should not automatically be described as a preservative merely because certain xylitol-derived cosmetic ingredients may have antimicrobial or preservative functions.
Xylitol is highly water-soluble, which facilitates incorporation into aqueous cosmetic formulations. Its concentration should be selected according to the desired moisture-retention, texture and sensory characteristics of the finished product.
Because Xylitol is a crystalline polyol, particle size and physical form can be relevant when using it in dry or powder-based formulations. Hygroscopic behavior and storage conditions should also be considered during handling.
Quality-control parameters can include identity, assay, water content, related polyols, residue on ignition, specific rotation and elemental impurities. The applicable test limits should correspond to the actual grade.
The USP-NF assay range of 98.5–101.0% on an anhydrous basis is an established reference, while other parameters should be taken from the applicable current monograph or actual product specification.
Xylitol is a versatile cosmetic ingredient for manufacturers developing moisturising, skin-conditioning and hydration-focused personal-care products. A Xylitol Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India can support cosmetic manufacturers requiring controlled-quality Xylitol for formulation development and bulk production.
For B2B procurement, manufacturers should evaluate the CAS number, purity, water content, physical form, particle size, related substances and applicable regulatory or quality documentation.
Xylitol can be supplied in suitable grades for cosmetic and personal-care applications, subject to the actual product specification. Selecting the correct grade is important when the raw material is intended for commercial formulation.
As a cosmetic raw material and personal care ingredient, Xylitol 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) | 98.5–101.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 0.5% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.1% |
| Water Content | NMT 0.5% |
| Melting Point | Approximately 94–97°C |