Mannitol

AKA: D-mannitol, 69-65-8, Mannite, Osmitrol, Manna sugar, Cordycepic acid, Diosmol, Resectisol, Mannidex
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginMannitol belongs to the sugar alcohol chemical family, derived from mannose or glucose starting materials. Produced through catalytic hydrogenation of mannose or glucose using nickel or other metal catalysts.
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that is metabolically inert in humans and occurs naturally, as a sugar or sugar alcohol, in fruits and vegetables. Mannitol elevates blood plasma osmolality, resulting in enhanced flow of water from tissues, including the brain and cerebrospinal fluid, into interstitial fluid and plasma. As a result, cerebral edema, elevated intracranial pressure, and cerebrospinal fluid volume and pressure may be reduced. Mannitol may also be used for the promotion of diuresis before irreversible renal failure becomes established; the promotion of urinary excretion of toxic substances; as an Antiglaucoma agent; and as a renal function diagnostic aid. On October 30, 2020, mannitol was approved by the FDA as add-on maintenance therapy for the control of pulmonary symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis in adult patients and is currently marketed for this indication under the name BRONCHITOL® by Chiesi USA Inc.
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C6H14O6
Mol. Weight
182.17
CAS #
69-65-8
Form
Powder
State
D-mannitol appears as odorless white crystalline powder or free-flowing granules. Sweet taste. (NTP, 1992)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Binding
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Moisturising
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
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
CIR Panel statement and Human test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 781)
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 781)
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 781)
Not an Eye Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 781)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.000063–60.5%
Rinse-off0.023–20%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2018 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
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