Xylitol is a plant sugar alcohol or polyol first isolated from the birch tree, but now commercially produced using a range of hardwood sources. Its name comes from the Greek words “xylo” and “itol”, which mean wood and sugar alcohols. It is a white, crystalline-like powder with a sweetness comparable to sucrose, and a cooling aftertaste. Xylitol is added to cosmetic preparations to improve the skin’s moisture content, reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and boost levels of hyaluronic acid. Xylitol improves the skin’s barrier function by stimulating the production of proteins, enzymes, and ceramides essential for the function of the skin barrier, and also preserves the structural and functional integrity of collagen.
 
Xylitol has been shown to work like glycerin and is essential for both skin and hair hydration and moisturization. It is also an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory. Xylitol is antimicrobial and prevents the growth of bacteria. It reduces body fat gain and visceral fat accumulation. It can be used in natural toothpaste and reduces the amount of plaque and the number of bacteria in plaque. Xylitol is more effective than fluoride at reducing plaque; no other plant sugar has this property.