Description

Sorbitol powder is a sugar alcohol (polyol) commonly used as:

What it is

A low-calorie sweetener (about 60% as sweet as sugar)

A humectant (helps retain moisture)

A bulking agent in foods and pharmaceuticals

A sugar substitute for diabetics (low glycemic index)

Where it’s used

Sugar-free gum, candies, mints

Baked goods (keeps them soft)

Toothpaste and mouthwash

Cough syrups, chewable tablets, and other medications

Cosmetics and skincare products

Key properties

White crystalline powder

Slightly sweet, cool mouthfeel

Water-soluble

Non-cariogenic (won’t cause tooth decay)

Notes

Excess consumption can cause digestive discomfort or a laxative effect.

Often used together with other sweeteners for better flavor and sweetness level.

⭐ 1. In Food & Baking

Sorbitol is used mainly as a moisture-retainer and partial sugar substitute.

A. As a sweetener

Replace up to 50% of sugar in a recipe without large texture changes.

Sorbitol is 60% as sweet as sugar, so sweetness will be lower unless combined with another sweetener.

B. To keep baked goods soft

Sorbitol attracts and holds moisture, extending shelf life.

How to use:

Add 2–5% of total flour weight to cookies, breads, cakes, or pastries.

Example: If using 500 g flour → add 10–25 g sorbitol.

C. In chocolate or candy

Helps prevent crystallization and gives a smoother mouthfeel.

Typical use: 5–10% of the formula.

D. In ice cream & frozen desserts

Reduces hardness and improves scoopability.

Use 3–8% of the total mix.

⭐ 2. In Beverages & Syrups

Sorbitol dissolves easily in water.

Usage:

Create a simple syrup:

Mix 1 part sorbitol powder + 1 part hot water until dissolved.

Common level: 2–10% depending on sweetness and shelf-life effect needed.

⭐ 3. In Pharmaceuticals

(For home use with permission from a health professional)

Used as a sweetener and bulking agent for syrups, chewable tablets, gels.

Typical concentration: 5–30%, depending on viscosity and sweetness needs.

⭐ 4. In Cosmetics & Skincare

Sorbitol is a humectant—it pulls moisture into the skin.

How to use:

Add sorbitol to the water phase of lotions, creams, serums, and cleansers.

Usage level:

2–5% for lotions

5–20% for gels and cleansers

Helps stabilize emulsions and improve skin feel

⭐ 5. Tips & Precautions

Overuse can cause a laxative effect when consumed (typical threshold ~20–40 g/day).

Sorbitol absorbs moisture—store tightly sealed.

For sweetness, many people combine it with stevia, sucralose, or erythritol.