What Is Sorbitol and How Is It Used in Food, Pharmaceuticals, and Personal Care Products?

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol derived from glucose, widely used as a low-calorie sweetener, humectant, and texturizing agent. It provides about 60% of the sweetness of sucrose with fewer calories, making it ideal for sugar-free and diabetic-friendly formulations. Beyond food, sorbitol is commonly used in pharmaceuticals and personal care due to its moisturizing and stabilizing properties.

Composition and Properties

Sorbitol is produced by the hydrogenation of glucose. It occurs naturally in fruits such as apples, pears, and peaches.

• Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₄O₆

• Sweetness: ~60% of sucrose

• Calories: ~2.6 kcal/g (lower than sugar)

• Appearance: White crystalline powder or 70% aqueous solution

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water; hygroscopic (moisture-retaining)

Key Benefits and Functions

1. Low-Calorie Sweetener
   Ideal for sugar-free and low-calorie foods.

2. Humectant and Moisture Retainer
   Prevents dryness in baked goods, candies, cosmetics, and oral care products.

3. Dental Health Benefits
   Non-cariogenic and does not promote tooth decay, suitable for oral care applications.

4. Diabetic-Friendly
   Low glycemic index makes it suitable for diabetic diets.

5. Stabilizer in Formulations
   Improves texture, prevents crystallization, and maintains smoothness.

Applications of Sorbitol

• Food Industry (E420):

  • Sugar-free chewing gums, candies, and chocolates

  • Diabetic-friendly baked goods and desserts

  • Humectant in confections and fillings

• Pharmaceuticals:

  • Syrups and liquid medications as a sweetener and stabilizer

  • Tablet excipient and laxative agent in high doses

• Personal Care and Cosmetics:

  • Moisturizer in lotions, creams, and toothpaste

  • Improves smoothness and spreadability in cosmetic products

Specifications

• Low-calorie, sugar-free sweetener

• Moisture retention in foods and cosmetics

• Non-cariogenic, tooth-friendly profile

• Versatile use in food, pharma, and personal care

Limitations

• Excessive intake may cause mild laxative effects

• Lower sweetness compared to sucrose may require blending

• Hygroscopic, requiring proper storage to prevent moisture absorption

FAQs

Q1: Is Sorbitol safe for consumption?
Yes, it is FDA-approved (E420) and globally recognized as safe when used within regulated limits.

Q2: Can Sorbitol be used in baking?
Yes, it helps retain moisture and improves texture, but its lower sweetness may need supplementation with other sweeteners.

Q3: Does Sorbitol raise blood sugar?
It has a low glycemic index and is suitable for diabetic-friendly products.

Q4: Why is Sorbitol used in toothpaste?
Its humectant property keeps toothpaste moist and smooth while contributing mild sweetness.

Q5: Can Sorbitol be combined with other sweeteners?
Yes, it is often paired with high-intensity sweeteners like aspartame or stevia for balanced sweetness.