murphyxylitol
AKA: (2S, 4R)-pentane-1, 2, 3, 4, 5-pentol
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginDerived from xylose, a five-carbon sugar found in birch wood and corn cobs. Produced through catalytic hydrogenation of xylose under high pressure and temperature with a metal catalyst.
Xylitol is a cosmetic ingredient used as humectant, skin conditioning.
Formula
C5H12O5
Mol. Weight
152.15
CAS #
87-99-0
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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 a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 781)
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 781)
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 781)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.013–2%
Rinse-off0.05–14%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2018 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR