What Is Isosorbide?

Learn about the humectant and skin conditioning characteristics of Isosorbide and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Isosorbide? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Isosorbide?

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Isosorbide is a type of sugar that is used in cosmetics to help keep the skin moisturized and conditioned. It can come in both dry powder and liquid forms. Isosorbide is also used as a medical treatment for conditions like hydrocephalus (a buildup of fluid in the brain) and glaucoma (a condition that affects the eyes). It works by helping to remove excess fluid from the body, but it doesn't have any chemical reactions with other substances.

What is the purpose of Isosorbide in personal care products? It is used for its humectant and skin conditioning characteristics. Isosorbide prevents drying and moisturizes and strengthens skin.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Isosorbide and 1,4:3,6-Dianhydro-D-glucitol.

What Are Humectant Ingredients?

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Isosorbide has humectant characteristics.

Humectants can be found in many products, such as foods, medicines, and personal care products. The primary role of humectants in these products is to prevent them from drying out, which helps to maintain their texture, quality, and effectiveness.

Many different types of humectants are used in cosmetic products, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, and urea. Each ingredient has a slightly different chemical structure, offering various skin benefits also. When applied to the skin, humectants draw in moisture from the surrounding environment and help lock it in, keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized while helping improve its texture and appearance.

In food products, humectants play a crucial role in preventing foods from drying out, especially in packaged or processed foods. Examples of common humectants used in food include glycerin, sorbitol, and propylene glycol. These ingredients help to maintain the moisture content of the food, thereby improving its texture and prolonging its shelf life.

Humectants are also commonly used in medicines and other pharmaceutical products. They help to retain moisture in tablets and capsules, which prevents them from breaking down or becoming less effective over time.

What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?

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Isosorbide has skin conditioning characteristics.

Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.