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| Catalog Number | CI-HC-0134 |
| Product Name | Sorbitol (CAS 50-70-4) |
| CAS | 50-70-4 |
| Structure |  |
| Description | Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used in various personal care products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and skincare products; it functions as a humectant, which helps to retain moisture in the skin. Sorbitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables, but it can also be synthesized chemically. |
| Appearance | colorless, odorless, crystalline powder with a sweet taste |
| Application | 1. Food industry: Sorbitol is commonly used as a sugar substitute, flavor enhancer, and humectant in various food products, including baked goods, candy, and frozen desserts. 2. Pharmaceuticals: It is used as an excipient or an inactive ingredient in medicinal formulations, where it helps to maintain the stability and shelf-life of the products. 3. Personal care products: Sorbitol is added to personal care products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and skin moisturizers as a humectant to retain moisture and prevent drying. 4. Chemical industry: It is used as a raw material in the production of various chemicals, including sorbitan esters, propylene glycol, and isosorbide. 5. Agriculture: Sorbitol is used as a foliar spray in the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants to enhance their growth and yield. 6. Animal feed: It is used as a feed ingredient or a source of energy for livestock and poultry. 7. Industrial applications: Sorbitol is used in the manufacture of resins, adhesives, plastics, and elastomers, where it acts as a plasticizer or a binder. |
| Features And Benefits | 1. Acts as a humectant to attract moisture to the skin 2. Provides a smooth and non-sticky texture to products 3. Enhances the spreadability of products 4. Helps to prevent drying and cracking of products 5. Adds sweetness to products without the added calories 6. Extends the shelf life of products by acting as a preservative 7. Helps to protect and soothe the skin. |
Kozlowska, J., K. Pauter, et al. Polymer Testing, 2018, 67, 7-11.
Four different formulations of carrageenan-based hydrogels were prepared with different concentrations of sorbitol and glycerol, which can be used for cosmetic and medical purposes. The optimal formulation was the one containing 20% sorbitol and 1.5% glycerol, which produced hydrogels with the highest Young's modulus and the lowest water absorption.
Preparation of carrageenan-based hydrogel
Hydrogels based on a 2% carrageenan solution were chosen to create cosmetic pads. Four different formulations were developed, varying in the amounts of sorbitol and glycerin. The preparation involved mixing carrageenan with a 60% (w/v) sorbitol solution, resulting in final sorbitol concentrations of 5% and 20%. Glycerin was then added at final concentrations of 1.5% and 6% (w/w) in the carrageenan/sorbitol blends, while the amount of carrageenan remained constant at 2% (w/w). Each mixture also included equal amounts of active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin, soybean oil, grape seed oil, tocopherol, and goji berry extract. Phenoxyethanol was used as a preservative, and polysorbate 80 served as a solubilizer. The mixtures were poured into molds (flat or cylindrical) and cooled at 2°C for 30 minutes. Finally, the hydrogels were soaked in a 1 M potassium chloride solution at 2°C for 24 hours.
What is Sorbitol and where can it be found naturally?
Sorbitol, also known as glucitol, is a humectant sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in the ripe berries of the mountain ash, as well as other fruits such as cherries, plums, pears, and apples. It can be derived both naturally and synthetically for use in skin care applications.
What are the key functions of Sorbitol in skincare products?
Sorbitol serves multiple functions in skincare products: it acts as a humectant, thickener, penetration enhancer, sensory modifier, fragrance and perfuming agent, and skin conditioner. These functions contribute to moisturizing, softening, and conditioning effects on the skin.
How does Sorbitol contribute to skin moisture retention?
Thanks to its several hydroxy groups, Sorbitol attracts water molecules, enhancing moisture retention and providing optimal hydration. This results in additional volume and density for the skin, contributing to a healthier appearance.
How does Sorbitol assist in the absorption of other skincare ingredients?
Sorbitol boosts the penetration of other ingredients, aiding in the absorption of vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients into the skin. This enhances the overall efficacy of the skincare formulation.
In what types of products is Sorbitol commonly used, and at what concentrations?
Sorbitol is commonly used in cosmetic formulations such as creams, lotions, shower gels, and hair gels. It is typically used at concentrations of 1-10%, providing a lighter feel than glycerin.
What role does Sorbitol play in preserving skincare formulations?
At higher concentrations, Sorbitol suppresses the growth and replication of microbes, acting as a preservative. This helps prevent the drying out and spoilage of skincare products.
Is Sorbitol safe and environmentally friendly?
Yes, Sorbitol is considered safe and is environmentally friendly due to its rapid biodegradability. It is derived from renewable raw materials, providing a sustainable option for skincare formulations.
How does Sorbitol contribute to the texture and appearance of skincare products?
Sorbitol thickens the consistency of formulations, enhancing viscosity and the sensory profile. It stabilizes gels and provides transparency due to its high refractive index, contributing to a more appealing product texture and appearance.
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