Skincare products formulated by the cosmetology industry contain not only basic animal or plant-based ingredients, but also other elements such as xylitylglucoside. This latter ingredient creates and stabilizes the texture of the skincare product while enhancing the effectiveness of the active ingredients on the skin.
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What is "Xylitylglucoside" and what is its utility?
Summary
- What is xylitylglucoside?
- What are the functions of xylitylglucoside in skincare?
- Xylitylglucoside and Xylitol
Published November 5, 2021,
updated on February 1, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
3 min read
What is xylitylglucoside?
Xylitylglucoside is an ingredient used in the cosmetics industry to formulate skincare products suitable for various skin types. Its origins can be traced back to the plant kingdom. However, it can also be obtained through a synthesis technique. Xylitylglucoside is a derivative of xylitol. Its use in the organic skincare sector is permitted, subject to certain conditions.
To stabilize the texture of the skincare products they offer, many players in the field of cosmetology resort to xylitylglucoside. Indeed, it is present in about 0.6% of skincare products, notably hydrating face serums, face creams, micellar water, gel masks, and even creams fighting against signs of aging.
What are the functions of xylitylglucoside in skincare?
In the realm of cosmetic care, xylitylglucoside is utilized for its humectant properties. Indeed, this ingredient has the ability to maintain a favorable water content both when the formula is stored in its packaging and when it is applied to the skin.
Unlike film-forming and emollient agents, humectants are presented in the form of smaller molecules that penetrate the cytoplasm of epidermal cells. Once inside, they attract and retain water to further moisturize the skin. This hygroscopic property allows humectants to be incorporated into skincare treatments.
Beyond its moisturizing properties, xylitylglucoside is also utilized as a skin conditioning agent in skincare treatments. Along with other ingredients, it works by maintaining the skin's surface in good condition.
Xylitylglucoside and Xylitol
Xylitylglucoside is a derivative of xylitol. This ingredient is derived from wood, particularly from birch bark. It is valued for its sweetening properties similar to sucrose. Generally, xylitol is adopted in the medical field. Indeed, its properties allow it to be used as an ingredient to combat dental cavities, prevent middle ear infections, fight against the flu virus, or manage skin dryness. In the latter case, xylitol acts as a soothing agent that strengthens the skin's protective barrier.
This sugar can also act as an emulsifier or surfactant to bind creams, the foam of cleansing gels, or beauty milks. As this ingredient is of plant origin, its use in organic skincare is not prohibited.
Xylitylglucoside is among the ingredients used to formulate skincare products. Suitable for almost all formulas intended for various skin types, it acts as a humectant, stabilizing the moisture level of the formula when it is still under packaging or applied to the skin, and as a skin conditioning agent.
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