Isomalt

Isomalt is a sugar alcohol derived from beet sugar used in cosmetics and oral care. In topical products it works as a humectant and texture modifier, though its water-binding performance is moderate compared with more established polyols.
Like this ingredient?

Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A sugar alcohol that offers mild moisture without stickiness.
Category
Hydration
Type
Humectant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Offers mild moisture draw to reduce surface dryness, though it is less effective than options like glycerin. Can add a cushioned feel to formulas without tackiness.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in gels, sheet masks, and light creams to provide gentle hydration and improve sensorial feel. Also appears in oral-care pastes and gels for humectancy and consistency.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Typically safe with low irritation potential in topical use. Higher concentrations can increase tackiness and, in sensitive or broken skin, may cause mild transient stinging. No widely recognized restrictions at standard usage levels.

Is Isomalt a Good Ingredient?

Rated Fair because it provides mild humectancy and helps texture, but it's less effective than established polyols like glycerin, so formulators often need higher levels to see a difference. At elevated concentrations it can feel tacky or pill, and may cause slight stinging on compromised skin, which keeps the rating down.

Products with Isomalt

Related Ingredients