Ingredient Dictionary

SORBITOL

How much products actually contain

1 products state the amountmedian 0.0001%

under 0.01% 1
0.01–0.1% 0
0.1–1% 0
1% or more 0

Amounts are mostly stated by products named after the ingredient, so they may lean towards token amounts.

Of the products containing it, 443 list it before the 1% line and 153 after it (usually 1% or less).

Products using this ingredient

12 of 592 confirmed · likeliest to carry enough first · See all 592

Definition

Sorbitol is the hexahydric alcohol that conforms to the formula

Cosmetic roles

Draws in and holds moistureHUMECTANTGives the product a scentPERFUMINGKeeps skin in good condition (CosIng catch-all)SKIN CONDITIONINGListed as a fragrance-composition material (not a claim that it adds scent)FRAGRANCE

Safety & regulatory references

Reviewed by CIR: Safety Assessment of Mannitol, Sorbitol and Xylitol as Used in Cosmetics

Source: US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name ソルビトール: 本品は、次の化学式で表される六価のアルコールである。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

SORBITOLINCI솔비톨Korean label name (MFDS standard)ソルビトールJapanese labelling name

CAS No.chemical registry number: 1259528-21-6
CAS No.chemical registry number: 50-70-4
CAS No.chemical registry number: 50-70-4 / 1259528-21-6 (generic)
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 200-061-5
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID5023588
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID903588

IUPAC: D-Glucitol
Molecular formula: C6H14O6
Molecular weight: 182.172 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: Sorbitol is an odorless colorless solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999) · Large Crystals, Dry Powder, Liquid, Wet Solid, Other Solid
Odour: Odorless
Boiling point: Very high (USCG, 1999) · 295 °C at 3.5 mm Hg
Melting point: 230 °F (USCG, 1999) · 111
Solubility: 2750000 mg/L (at 30 °C) · Very soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
Density: 1.49 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water, will sink · 1.489 g/cu cm 20 °C
Stability: Sorbitol will form water-soluble chelates with many divalent and trivalent metal ions in strongly acidic and alkaline conditions. Addition of liquid polyethylene glycols to sorbitol solution, with vigorous agitation, produces a waxy, water-soluble gel with a melting point of 35-40 °C. Sorbitol solutions also react with iron oxide to become discolored. Sorbitol increases the degradation rate of pen · Sorbitol is chemically relatively inert and is compatible with most excipients. It is stable in air in the absence of catalysts and in cold, dilute acids and alkalis. Sorbitol does not darken or decompose at elevated tempratures or in the presence of amines. It is nonflammable, noncorrosive, and nonvolatile. Although sorbitol is resistant to fermentation by many microorganisms, a preservative shou
pH: pH: about 7.0
Dissociation constant: 13.6 · pKa: 13.6 at 17.5 °C

Values measured on the substance itself, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem

What products actually use it for

What the 219 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

Humectant127
Flavouring and nutrient18
Stabilizing agent18
Thickening agent17
Softener and conditioner13
Plasticizer7
Processing aids not otherwise specified4
Chemical reaction regulator2

11 other uses

Fragrance2
Solvent2
pH regulating agent1
Drier1
Monomers1
Biocide1
Dehydrating agent (desiccant)1
Dust suppressant1
Crystal growth modifiers (nucleating agents)1
Dye1
Intermediate1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard