Sorbitol

The Basics On Sorbitol

What is Sorbitol?

Sorbitol is a type of sugar that can be created synthetically or derived from natural sources.

What are other names for Sorbitol?

D-GLUCITOL, D-SORBITOL, DGLUCITOL, SORBITOL, SORBITOL SOLUTION, and SORBITOL SOLUTION, 70%

What is Sorbitol used for?

Sorbitol is primarily used in cosmetics as a sweetener, a thickener and humectant. It is a conditioning agent for the skin, preventing moisture loss from both the skin and the hair. Sorbitol is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a flavoring agent , and to prevent moisture loss.

How Sorbitol is classified

Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Hydration, Slip Agents

Recommendations for using Sorbitol during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Limited data suggests no known risk

 

Sorbitol During Pregnancy

What we know about using Sorbitol while pregnant or breastfeeding

Limited information available.

A reproductive study on 30 rats extended over four generations using 10 or 15% Sorbitol in the diet for 17 mos did not reveal any abnormalities.36 No other details regarding this study were provided. In a three-generation study, groups of 12 male and 24 female Charles River CD (SD) BR rats were fed a diet containing 0, 2.5, 5, or 10% Sorbitol.43 After 14 wks of exposure to Sorbitol via diet, rats were mated, and gave rise to litters F1a and F1b. F1a rats were weaned and killed, while 12 male and 24 females of the F1b litter were then mated. Likewise, the resulting F2a rats were killed, and the F2b litter was mated, giving rise to litters F3a and F3b. No clinical signs of toxicity were observed to treatment in the F0, F1b, or F2b rats. Reduced weight gain was recorded in response to Sorbitol in both sexes at the 10% level. This effect was more prominent in females, and in the F0 generation than in the F1a or F2b generation. Cecal enlargement was consistently observed during necropsy of all treated rats. Significant increases in serum calcium were observed in F0 males and females exposed to 10% Sorbitol, and in F1b males exposed to either 5 or 10% Sorbitol. Variations in triiodothyronine(T3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and gonadal weights were observed, but were considered to have no toxicological significance due to a lack of consistency. No adverse effects were observed after microscopic evaluation of lesions of the gonads and other selected tissues. Administration of 1600 mg/kg/bw of Sorbitol to pregnant rabbits for 13 days (days of gestation and route of administration not stated) had no effects on maternal or fetal survival.44 The number of abnormalities seen in either soft or skeletal tissues of the test groups was similar to controls. No other details regarding this study were provided.

General safety info about Sorbitol from CIR

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel assessed the safety of Mannitol, Sorbitol, and Xylitol as used in cosmetics. These ingredients are reported to function as humectants, skin-conditioning agents, or flavoring agents. The Panel considered the available data and concluded that these sugar alcohol ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment.

Use this, not that!

Products where you might find Sorbitol

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