Typical dose
As a sweetener/bulking agent in supplements: var...
Oral & topical
Oral safety: low
Skin safety: harmless
About this supplement
Sorbitol crystalline powder is a white, odorless, sweet-tasting polyol (sugar alcohol) derived from glucose. It occurs as a free-flowing crystalline powder with high purity and excellent stability. As a humectant, it attracts and retains moisture, making it valuable in both food and cosmetic applications. In supplements, it serves as a sweetener and bulking agent, while in beauty products it functions as a moisturizer and texture enhancer. It has approximately 60% of the sweetness of sucrose with fewer calories (2.6 kcal/g vs 4 kcal/g) and a low glycemic index, making it suitable for sugar-free and diabetic-friendly formulations. It is non-cariogenic (does not promote tooth decay) and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- As a sweetener/bulking agent in supplements: variable, often 1-10g per serving. As a laxative: 30-150 mL of 70% solution or equivalent powder dose. Topical use in cosmetics: 0.5-5%.
- Suggested range
- As a dietary supplement ingredient: 1-20g daily. Laxative use: 10-20g as a single dose, not to exceed 20g/day without medical supervision.
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
Things to watch for
Possible side effects linked to this form:
Health goals
Needs and goals this form may help with:
Other forms of Sorbitol
Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:
Sorbitol
Sugar-free sweetener & humectant. May have a laxative effect if consumed in exce...
Sorbitol ester
Sorbitol Granular
Low-calorie sweetener & humectant; may have a laxative effect in high doses.
Sorbitol Solution (70%)
Common humectant & sweetener; may cause digestive discomfort at high oral doses.
Technical details â–¼
Chemical ID (CAS)
50-70-4
Physical properties
White, crystalline, odorless, free-flowing powder. Sweet taste (approx. 60% sweetness of sucrose). Highly soluble in water (approx. 235 g/100 mL at 20°C), slightly soluble in ethanol. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air). Melting point: 92-96°C.
How it’s made
Primarily produced industrially by the high-pressure catalytic hydrogenation of glucose (derived from corn starch or other plant sources) using a nickel or ruthenium catalyst. The resulting sorbitol solution is purified, concentrated, and crystallized to form the crystalline powder.