Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a type of sugar that can be created synthetically or derived from natural sources. Similar to glycerin, it is a hydrating ingredient (technically a humectant), texture enhancer, and stabilizer.

Its sugar component makes sorbitol an intriguing prebiotic, an ingredient that can “feed” the probiotics that make up a person’s skin microbiome, thus helping it become balanced. Specifically, sorbitol’s breakdown by certain probiotics can create beta-glucan, a skin-calming antioxidant.