What it is
Xylose is a simple pentose sugar that is water-soluble and acts as a humectant, helping attract and retain moisture at the skin surface. In formulations it is used at low levels as a conditioning sugar, sometimes alongside other saccharides. Its small size and solubility make it easy to incorporate into the water phase.
Safety & warnings
Xylose is a simple sugar that is generally well tolerated on skin at cosmetic use levels and is not associated with comedogenicity. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
A naturally occurring monosaccharide abundant in plant hemicellulose, which is why it is often called wood sugar. Cosmetic-grade xylose is typically produced by hydrolysis of plant-derived materials such as wood or agricultural fibers.
Questions everyone asks
Why is xylose called wood sugar?
Because it is abundant in the hemicellulose of plant and wood fibers, from which it is commonly obtained by hydrolysis.
What does xylose do for skin?
As a small water-soluble sugar, it acts as a humectant, helping the skin surface attract and hold moisture.