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 stabilises the texture of the skincare product while enhancing the effectiveness of the active ingredients on the skin.
What is "Xylitylglucoside" and what is its utility?
Summary
Published on February 1, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 3 min of reading
What is xylitylglucoside?
Xylitylglucoside is an ingredient used in the world of cosmetics 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 field of organic skincare is permitted, subject to certain conditions.
To stabilise the texture of the skincare products they offer, many players in the field of cosmetology turn to xylitylglucoside. Indeed, it is present in approximately 0.6% of skincare products, notably hydrating face serums, face creams, micellar water, gel masks, and creams that combat signs of ageing.
What are the functions of xylitylglucoside in skincare?
In the realm of cosmetic care, xylitylglucoside is utilised for its humectant properties. Indeed, this ingredient has the ability to maintain a favourable 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 moisturise the skin. This hygroscopic property allows humectants to be incorporated into skincare treatments.
Beyond its humectant properties, xylitylglucoside is also adopted to perform the role of a skin conditioning agent in skincare. Along with other ingredients, it works by maintaining the skin 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 caries, 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, stabilising the moisture level of the formula when it is still under packaging or applied to the skin, and as a skin conditioning agent.
