Sorbitol

Sorbitol molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: D-Sorbitol, 50-70-4, D-Glucitol, Glucitol, Glucarine, (-)-Sorbitol, Nivitin, D-(-)-Sorbitol, Diakarmon
Synthetic
Humectant
Clean
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found in fruits and plants with diuretic, laxative and cathartic property. Unabsorbed sorbitol retains water in the large intestine through osmotic pressure thereby stimulating peristalsis of the intestine and exerting its diuretic, laxative and cathartic effect. In addition, sorbitol has one-third fewer calories and 60 % the sweetening activity of sucrose and is used as a sugar replacement in diabetes.
Solubility 2750000
Formula
C6H14O6
Mol. Weight
182.17
CAS #
50-70-4, 1259528-21-6
Form
Liquid
State
Sorbitol is an odorless colorless solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Draws water to skin
Traditional Use
A sugar alcohol first isolated from rowan berries in the 1870s and later synthesized commercially in the 20th century. Used in traditional medicine for its gentle laxative properties and adopted in cosmetics as a humectant and sweetener.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed2 papers →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR