anhydroxylitol
AKA “4-Anhydro-D-xylitol, (2R, 4S)-2-(Hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3, 4-Anhydroxylitol, D-Xylitol, Xylitol
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
anhydroxylitol
AKA: 4-Anhydro-D-xylitol, (2R, 4S)-2-(Hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3, 4-Anhydroxylitol, D-Xylitol
Synthetic · Humectant · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A natural humectant that draws moisture into skin, helping it stay hydrated and soft throughout the day.
Formula
C5H10O4
Mol. Weight
134.13
CAS #
53448-53-6
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A sugar alcohol developed in the late 20th century as a humectant and sweetening agent in modern cosmetics. It was synthesized to provide moisturizing benefits similar to glycerin while being suitable for formulation in various skincare products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Insufficient
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 100%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 815).
Regulatory Status
USAunder review
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Are sodium lauryl sulfate-containing toothpastes suitable vehicles for xylitol?
Assev S, Wåler SM, Rølla G
European journal of oral sciences, 1997
Are sodium lauryl sulfate-containing toothpastes suitable vehicles for xylitol?
Assev S, Wåler SM, Rølla G
European journal of oral sciences, 1997
Safety Assessment of Mannitol, Sorbitol, and Xylitol as U...
Priya Cherian, Wilma F Bergfeld, Donald V Belsito, Curtis D Klaassen, Daniel C Liebler, James G Marks + 6 more
International journal of toxicology, 2025
Safety Assessment of Anhydrogalactose,Anhydroglucitol, Anhydroxylitol, Arabinose,Psicose, Saccharide Hydrolysate, andSaccharide Isomerate as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Safety Assessment of Mannitol, Sorbitol and Xylitol as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
anhydroxylitol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
xylitol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
anhydroxylitol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
xylitol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Safety Assessment of Anhydrogalactose, Anhydroglucitol, Anhydroxylitol, Arabinose, Psicose, Saccharide Hydrolysate, and Saccharide Isomerate as Used i
Johnson W Jr, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Cohen DE, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2025
Safety Assessment of Anhydrogalactose, Anhydroglucitol, Anhydroxylitol, Arabinose, Psicose, Saccharide Hydrolysate, and Saccharide Isomerate as Used i
Johnson W Jr, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Cohen DE, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2025
Effects of Xylitol-laced Sweets on the Accumulation of Dental Plaque : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Mostafazadehbakhtiyary M, Majidinia S, Sohouli M, Chalakinia H, Langari AS et al.
International dental journal, 2025
Sweeteners: erythritol, xylitol and cardiovascular risk-friend or foe?
Wölnerhanssen BK, Meyer-Gerspach AC, Arduini A, D'Alessandro A, Gronda E et al.
Cardiovascular research, 2025
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR