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Anhydroxylitol

What Anhydroxylitol is & what it does

Anhydroxylitol is a humectant derived from xylitol, a plant sugar alcohol. It draws and holds water in the upper layers of skin, helping a sunscreen feel hydrated rather than tight or dry. It is usually paired with xylitol and other sugars to support the skin's own moisture balance.

What is Anhydroxylitol and what does it do in sunscreen?

Anhydroxylitol is a humectant, a water-binding ingredient made from xylitol (a plant-derived sugar alcohol). In a sunscreen it helps draw and hold moisture in the surface of the skin, so the formula feels more hydrating and less drying. It works on the surface and does not affect how the UV filters perform.

Is Anhydroxylitol safe?

Yes. It is a mild, water-soluble humectant used at low levels and is well tolerated on most skin, including sensitive skin. It sits on the surface to hold water and is not associated with irritation in typical cosmetic use.

Does Anhydroxylitol clog pores?

Generally no. It is a lightweight, water-loving humectant rather than an oil or wax, so it is considered low risk for clogging pores. If a product breaks you out, the richer emollients or oils in the formula are far more likely the cause.

Is Anhydroxylitol natural or synthetic?

It is derived from natural sources but processed. It comes from xylitol, a sugar alcohol found in plants, which is converted in a lab into the finished humectant. So the building block is plant-based, while the ingredient itself is manufactured.

What else is Anhydroxylitol called?

On an ingredient list it appears under its INCI name, Anhydroxylitol. It is closely related to xylitol and is often listed alongside it, sometimes as part of a moisturizing blend with other sugars. It is the dehydrated form of the xylitol molecule.

Sunscreens with Anhydroxylitol

We rate 120 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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