Xylitol
A plant-derived sugar alcohol, often paired with xylitylglucoside and anhydroxylitol, that helps skin hold water and feel comfortable.
xylitol, xylitylglucoside, anhydroxylitol
Dry & dehydrated skin · All skin types
What it does
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, found naturally in many fruits and plants and usually made from birch or corn. In skincare it is a humectant: it helps the skin attract and hold water, so it feels softer, more supple and more comfortable. It most often appears as a trio with xylitylglucoside and anhydroxylitol, a hydrating complex found across Biologique Recherche's creams and serums and in several Augustinus Bader formulas.
How it works
Like glycerin and sorbitol, xylitol binds water in the outer layer of the skin. Combined with xylitylglucoside and anhydroxylitol, it is designed to improve the skin's water reserves and help it retain moisture over time, rather than giving only a short-lived surface boost. It is gentle and non-sticky, which is why it often appears in formulas for sensitive and dehydrated skin, such as Biologique Recherche's Biosensible range.
MG says
Xylitol is a supporting hydrator rather than a hero active, so there's no need to seek it out. You'll find it in one of my lifetime favourites, Bioderma's Sensibio H2O, a micellar water gentle enough for sensitive eyes, and throughout Biologique Recherche's Biosensible range.
Cautions
Xylitol is generally very well tolerated in skincare. As with any new product, patch test first if your skin is reactive.
