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Mannitol

What Mannitol is & what it does

Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used as a humectant, helping a formula hold onto water and feel hydrating. It also acts as a texture aid and can give a light, smooth finish on the skin. In a sunscreen it is a supporting ingredient that improves feel and moisture rather than contributing to UV protection.

What is Mannitol and what does it do in sunscreen?

Mannitol is a sugar alcohol that works as a humectant, meaning it helps attract and hold water in a formula. This supports a hydrated, smooth feel and can fine-tune the texture of a cream or gel. In a sunscreen it is a supporting, skin-conditioning ingredient rather than part of the UV protection.

Is Mannitol safe?

Yes. Mannitol is a simple sugar alcohol used in both foods and cosmetics, and it is considered gentle and well tolerated on the skin. It is non-irritating for most people at cosmetic levels. There are no notable safety concerns when it is applied topically in skincare.

Does Mannitol clog pores?

Generally no. It is a water-loving sugar alcohol, not an oil or wax, so it is not considered a pore-clogging ingredient. It is used in small amounts for hydration and texture. If you are breaking out, the richer oils or emollients in a formula are far more likely the cause.

Is Mannitol vegan and natural?

Yes. Mannitol is a plant-derived sugar alcohol, found naturally in many fruits and plants, and it can also be produced through fermentation. It contains no animal-derived material, so it is suitable for vegan formulas.

What else is Mannitol called?

On a label it appears as Mannitol, its INCI name. It is a sugar alcohol, sometimes grouped with humectants like glycerin and other polyols. As a food additive the same ingredient carries the E-number E421.

Sunscreens with Mannitol

We rate 113 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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