Rate My SPF

Xylitylglucoside

What Xylitylglucoside is & what it does

Xylitylglucoside is a sugar-based moisturising ingredient, made by joining xylitol and glucose, two natural sugars. On the skin it acts as a humectant: it helps draw in and hold water, so the surface feels more hydrated and supple. It is usually one part of a blend with other sugars, where together they help support the skin's own moisture balance and give a lightweight, comfortable feel.

What is Xylitylglucoside and what does it do in sunscreen?

Xylitylglucoside is a sugar derivative, built from xylitol and glucose, used as a moisturising and conditioning agent. In a sunscreen it works mainly as a humectant: it helps the formula attract and hold water so skin feels hydrated rather than tight. It is most often used as part of a small moisturising blend rather than on its own.

Is Xylitylglucoside safe?

Yes. It is a mild, sugar-based ingredient that works on the surface of the skin, and it is generally considered gentle and well tolerated, including on sensitive skin. There is no notable irritation or safety concern associated with it at cosmetic levels.

Does Xylitylglucoside clog pores?

Generally no. It is a water-loving sugar molecule rather than a heavy oil or wax, so it is not considered a pore-clogging ingredient. It is used in small amounts as a humectant, which makes it an unlikely cause of breakouts.

Is Xylitylglucoside natural?

It is derived from natural sugars but is itself a processed ingredient. Xylitol and glucose both occur in nature, and they are joined to make this moisturising molecule, so it is plant-sourced but not something you would find pre-made in nature. That processing is normal and does not make it any less gentle.

What is Xylitylglucoside on an ingredient list (INCI)?

"Xylitylglucoside" is the INCI name on the label, describing a compound of xylitol joined to glucose. It is frequently paired with Anhydroxylitol and Xylitol, and that trio is sometimes sold under the trade name Aquaxyl. It usually appears lower on the list, among the other humectants and conditioning agents.

Sunscreens with Xylitylglucoside

We rate 99 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients