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Mannitol

Natural sugar alcohol, isomer of sorbitol — moisturizer and antioxidant. Found in seaweed, mushrooms, and slime. In cosmetics, it not only moisturizes but also protects cells from oxidative stress due to its ability to neutralize hydroxyl radicals.

sugar alcoholantioxidant OH•moisturizernatural
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Mannitol (INCI: Mannitol) — polyol, molecular weight ~182 Da. Well soluble in water. Obtained: hydrogenation of mannose or fructose, or from seaweed. Difference from sorbitol: different configuration C₂ → different crystalline structure, lower hygroscopicity, better antioxidant activity. In medicine: osmotic diuretic, cryoprotectant. In cosmetics: 1) Moisturizer (less hygroscopic than glycerin); 2) Antioxidant — neutralizes OH•; 3) Cryoprotectant; 4) Stabilizer of actives; 5) Natural sweetener in lip products.

Antioxidant formulas for cell protection, moisturizing products for sensitive skin, lip products and oral care, cryo-cosmetics.

Key Benefits

✦
Antioxidant protection — neutralization of OH•
Mannitol is one of the few cosmetic ingredients that effectively neutralizes hydroxyl radicals (OH•) — the most reactive of ROS. Mechanism: mannitol → glucuronic acid + mannuronic acid (via oxidation of OH•). Feature: most antioxidants (vit C, E) are less effective against OH•. Mannitol fills this niche. Application: in formulas for urban pollution and UV protection.
◈
Gentle moisturizing without stickiness
Mannitol is less hygroscopic than glycerin or sorbitol, but provides lasting moisture without a pronounced wet feeling on the skin. This makes it particularly popular in "invisible moisture" formulas for oily and combination skin. Smoothness and softness upon application without greasiness. Works well with hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA.
✧
Stabilization of actives and cryoprotection
Mannitol protects cosmetic actives (peptides, enzymes, vitamins) from denaturation during freezing and heating — used as a cryoprotectant in freeze-dried cosmetics. In concentrated active serums: stabilizes the structure of peptides and proteins in the formula. Especially useful in products with GHK-Cu, EGF, and probiotic components.

Suitable for

oily skinsensitive skinantioxidant protection

Main Actions

✓ neutralization of hydroxyl radicals OH•✓ gentle moisturizing without stickiness✓ stabilization of actives
Mannitol from seaweed — eco credential

Mannitol makes up to 20% of the dry mass of brown algae (Laminaria, Fucus) → completely natural origin. For brands with "marine" or "seaweed" positioning: mannitol from algae — an authentic eco-ingredient. Synthetic mannitol (from fructose): functionally identical, but without eco-storytelling. INCI: 'Mannitol' or 'D-Mannitol'. Vegan-friendly, gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mannitol do for skin?
Antioxidant formulas for cell protection, moisturizing products for sensitive skin, lip products and oral care, cryo-cosmetics.
Who should use Mannitol?
Mannitol is suitable for: oily skin, sensitive skin, antioxidant protection.
Are there any warnings about Mannitol?
Mannitol makes up to 20% of the dry mass of brown algae (Laminaria, Fucus) → completely natural origin. For brands with "marine" or "seaweed" positioning: mannitol from algae — an authentic eco-ingredient. Synthetic mannitol (from fructose): functionally identical, but without ec

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