The ingredient, explained

Xylose

A published expert safety assessment covers this exact ingredient.

HumectantMaskingSkin conditioning

Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

D-Xylose

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Humectant: Helps attract and retain moisture.
Masking: Reduces or conceals the formula's underlying odour or taste.
Skin conditioning: A broad cosmetic role for maintaining skin condition. It does not identify a particular clinical benefit.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Safety assessment

Panel judged assessed sugars safe under described cosmetic-use practices and concentrations.

What this does not tell us

Group safety/read-across, not xylose-specific hydration benefit. Local D-xylose malabsorption challenge measures absorption and tests vitamin A, not cosmetic intervention.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 31170840 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.