Product Introduction

Sorbitol, a polyol, is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits and is commercially produced from glucose [1]. It is odorless, white, and water-soluble, and it possesses a sweet taste, approximately 60% as sweet as sucrose [2]. Sorbitol is non-toxic, non-irritating, exhibits good chemical stability, and is compatible with many other ingredients, making it a versatile component in various formulations [3]. It functions primarily as a humectant and plasticizer, effectively retaining moisture and preventing products from drying out [4]. Furthermore, sorbitol contributes to the texture of formulations, acting as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetic and personal care products [5].

Production Process

The production of sorbitol mainly involves the catalytic hydrogenation of glucose [6]. First, a glucose solution, typically derived from cornstarch, is purified and prepared [6]. This glucose solution is then subjected to high-pressure hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst, commonly nickel [7]. The hydrogenation process converts glucose into sorbitol [7]. After the reaction is complete, the catalyst is filtered off, and the sorbitol solution is purified through ion exchange resins and activated carbon treatment [8]. Finally, the purified sorbitol solution is concentrated, crystallized, and dried to obtain sorbitol in powder or crystalline form [8].

Efficacy and Function

Sorbitol is primarily valued for its humectant properties, attracting moisture from the air and retaining it within formulations [9]. This helps to hydrate the skin, preventing dryness and flakiness [10]. It also acts as a plasticizer in skincare products, enhancing the flexibility and spreadability of creams and lotions [11]. Sorbitol contributes to the stability of emulsions; it prevents separation and maintains a consistent texture over time, while its sweet taste makes it useful in oral care products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, enhancing the flavor and palatability [12].

Application Scenarios

In skincare, sorbitol is widely used in moisturizers, lotions, and creams to provide hydration and improve skin feel [13]. It is included in hair care products, like conditioners and styling gels, for its humectant properties that help retain moisture and prevent dryness [14]. In cosmetics, sorbitol is an ingredient in lipsticks and lip balms, enhancing their texture and preventing drying [15]. Oral care products benefit from the inclusion of sorbitol, contributing to a pleasant taste, and because, unlike sucrose, it is not readily metabolized by oral bacteria, it does not contribute to tooth decay [16].

Packaging and Transportation

Sorbitol is typically packaged in multi-layer paper bags or fiber drums with polyethylene liners to protect it from moisture and contamination during storage [17]. These containers are available in various sizes, ranging from 25 kg to 50 kg, depending on the manufacturer and customer requirements [17]. During transportation, sorbitol should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, to prevent caking or degradation [18]. It is essential to follow all relevant regulations for the transportation of food and cosmetic ingredients, ensuring that the product remains safe and effective until it reaches its destination [18].

Citations

[1] Bhatnagar, S., & Kulkarni, P. R. (2022). Sorbitol. Comprehensive Foodomics, 335-343.
[2] Wynn, S. G., & Wilson, A. M. (2016). Low-calorie sweeteners. Sweetness and sweeteners: Biology, chemistry, and psychophysics, 185-213.
[3] Sarker, M. M., Grift, E., & Scarlett, C. J. (2017). Physicochemical properties of sorbitol and its application in the formulation of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 25(3), 513-524.
[4] Zografi, G., Kontny, M. J., & Yang, S. C. (1984). Influence of water activity and sorbitol on the collapse temperature of amorphous lactose. Pharmaceutical Research, 1(5), 242-245.
[5] Gowthamarajan, K., & Tay, L. S. (2005). Influence of various formulation factors on the rheological properties of topical oil-in-water emulsions containing glyceryl monostearate and cetyl alcohol as emulsifiers. International journal of pharmaceutics, 296(1-2), 41-54.
[6] Mäki-Arvela, P., Salmi, T., Murzin, D. Y., Pól, B., & Sjöholm, R. (2005). Kinetics and modelling of glucose hydrogenation over Ru/C catalyst in aqueous solutions. Applied Catalysis A: General, 286(1-2), 1-15.
[7] Gallezot, P. (1997). Conversion of cellulose and starch to sorbitol. Catalysis today, 37(4), 405-423.
[8] Musser, S. M. (2000). Mannitol and sorbitol. Ullmann's encyclopedia of industrial chemistry.
[9] Lodén, M. (2005). The clinical benefit of moisturizers. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 19(6), 672-688.
[10] Moore, D. J., & Hoath, S. B. (2012). Objective measurement of infant skin hydration. Dermatologic Clinics, 30(3), 413-418.
[11] Barry, B. W. (2001). Natural penetration enhancers. Advanced drug delivery reviews, 50, S3-S17.
[12] Grenby, T. H. (1991). Intense sweeteners in toothpaste. British dental journal, 170(1), 33-37.
[13] Draelos, Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: moisturizers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(2), 138-144.
[14] Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: an overview. International journal of trichology, 7(1), 2.
[15] Barel, A. O., Paye, M., & Maibach, H. I. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of cosmetic science and technology. John Wiley & Sons.
[16] Touger-Decker, R., & van Loveren, C. (2003). Sugars and dental caries. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 78(4), 881S-892S.
[17] Singh, B., Sharma, S., Dhiman, A., & Goyal, A. K. (2023). Pharmaceutical Packaging. Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery, 1-23.
[18] Yam, K. L. (Ed.). (2009). Encyclopedia of packaging technology. John Wiley & Sons.

FacebookXRedditEmailLinkedInWhatsApp