Sorbitol, also known as glucitol, is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste that the human body metabolizes slowly. It's found naturally in fruits and vegetables, but can also be manufactured from corn syrup. Sorbitol is often used as a sweetener in foods, and about one-third of annual production is consumed for this purpose. It's also used to treat occasional constipation by increasing the amount of water the intestine absorbs, which softens stool and makes it easier to pass. Sorbitol can be taken orally or rectally, but side effects may include nausea, gas, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and more.

Sorbitol is a polyalcohol that's used in many cosmetics and personal care products, including cleansers, creams, deodorants, hair sprays, and more. It's used as a humectant, thickener, flavoring agent, and skin conditioning agent: 

• Humectant: Draws water into the skin to keep it moisturized for longer, making it especially good for dry and maturing skin. It also breaks down certain probiotics in the skin to create beta-glucan, which can calm the skin. 
• Thickener: Enhances the texture of products and makes them more spreadable. 
• Flavoring agent: Used in a variety of products. 
• Skin conditioning agent: Used in products like baby shampoos and aftershave lotions. 

Sorbitol is also used in transparent gels because of its high refractive index. It can also stabilize and preserve formulations.