Ingredient dictionary

Sorbitol

Also listed as: D-Glucitol

Sorbitol is a sugar-like alcohol that works mainly as a humectant, drawing water into a formula to keep it soft and smooth. It is on the label of 42 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Sorbitol does

Draws water into the formula
Keeps textures smooth and spreadable
Helps skin and hair hold moisture

Sorbitol is usually made from glucose, a sugar that comes from starch, by adding hydrogen to it in a process called hydrogenation. Small amounts also occur naturally in some fruits, such as apples and pears. Despite its name, it is not the drying alcohol found in some toners.

In lotions, conditioners and moisturizers, sorbitol pulls water into the formula and helps it stay hydrated on the skin or hair. It also helps keep textures smooth and stable, so products spread easily. In eyeliner, it can help keep the formula consistent and easy to glide. On the skin, it feels light and non-greasy and does not leave an oily film.

Good for

Suits lotions, conditioners and moisturizers, and most skin and hair types, since it is well tolerated by most people.

Frequently asked questions

Is sorbitol the same as sugar?

Not quite. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol made from glucose, so it is related to sugar, but it does not work the same way. In skincare it acts as a humectant, not a sweetener.

Does sorbitol dry out skin?

Not in the usual sense. Sorbitol is a humectant, so it is used to help skin hold on to water. It is generally considered gentle and appears often in lotions and moisturizers. A patch test can show how your own skin responds.