Mannitol
Mannitol is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics, personal care, and skincare formulations. Depending on its function, it may serve as a moisturizer, preservative, emulsifier, or active ingredient to enhance the overall effectiveness and performance of a product.
Mannitol is a type of sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and medication. It is used as a low calorie sweetener as it is poorly absorbed by the intestines. As a medication, it is used to decrease pressure in the eyes, as in glaucoma, and to lower increased intracranial pressure. Medically, it is given by injection or inhalation. Effects typically begin within 15 minutes and last up to 8 hours.
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| Trade names | Osmitrol, Bronchitol, others |
| Other names | d-Mannitol, mannite, manna sugar |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
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| Routes of administration | Intravenous, By mouth, inhalation |
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| Bioavailability | ~7% |
| Metabolism | Liver, negligible |
| Elimination half-life | 100 minutes |
| Excretion | Kidney: 90% |
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| E number | E421 (thickeners, ...) |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.000.647 |
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| Formula | C6H14O6 |
| Molar mass | 182.172 g·mol−1 |
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Common side effects from medical use include electrolyte problems and dehydration. Other serious side effects may include worsening heart failure and kidney problems. It is unclear if use is safe in pregnancy. Mannitol is in the osmotic diuretic family of medications and works by pulling fluid from the brain and eyes.
The discovery of mannitol is attributed to Joseph Louis Proust in 1806. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It was originally made from the flowering ash and called manna due to its supposed resemblance to the Biblical food. Mannitol is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned substances list due to concerns that it may mask prohibited drugs.
