anhydroxylitol
AKA: 4-Anhydro-D-xylitol, (2R, 4S)-2-(Hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3, 4-Anhydroxylitol, D-Xylitol
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Clean
D-Xylitol, 1,4-Anhydro-
Formula
C5H10O4
Mol. Weight
134.13
CAS #
53448-53-6
Form
Liquid
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A sugar alcohol developed in the late 20th century as a humectant and sweetening agent in modern cosmetics. It was synthesized to provide moisturizing benefits similar to glycerin while being suitable for formulation in various skincare products.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 100%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 815).
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
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Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR