Roll Call

“Xylitol?”Here!birch sugar

HumectantPlant

Hasn’t appeared in a scanned product yet.

In personal care

A sugar alcohol naturally found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables, and commercially produced from corn cobs or birch wood. It is perhaps best known as a sugar substitute in food and gum.

Why it’s used

In cosmetics it draws moisture to the skin, helping formulas feel hydrating, and can also contribute a smooth skin feel.

What the evidence says

Xylitol has a long history of use as a food ingredient and sugar substitute, with established safety data from that context. As a cosmetic humectant, there is no credible concern reported at the concentrations typically used.

Rumors

  1. Xylitol toothpaste can cause mouth sores and digestive problems.

    We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Crest — a brand: sells toothpaste, mouthwash and oral hygiene products; Procter & Gamble
      How we know who this is
      • “Toothpaste, Mouthwash and Oral Hygiene Products | Crest US Skip to main content Shop By Product Shop By Need Shop for Kids Learn Your browser does not support the video tag.” (their page)

  2. Xylitol moisturizes skin and strengthens the skin barrier.

    We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

  3. Xylitol in toothpaste is highly toxic to dogs.

    We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

  4. Xylitol in toothpaste reduces cavity-causing bacteria and stops them sticking to teeth, preventing cavities.

    We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Wellnesse — a brand: sells fluoride-free hydroxyapatite toothpaste and oral care
      How we know who this is
      • “Wellnesse started in a kitchen.” (their page)
      • “Wellnesse hydroxyapatite-powered oral care products will be the easiest routine you'll stick to this new year.” (their page)

  5. Xylitol in toothpaste remineralizes teeth and helps heal existing cavities.

    We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Wellnesse — a brand: sells fluoride-free hydroxyapatite toothpaste and oral care
      How we know who this is
      • “Wellnesse started in a kitchen.” (their page)
      • “Wellnesse hydroxyapatite-powered oral care products will be the easiest routine you'll stick to this new year.” (their page)

As a supplement

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Roll Call does not check drug interactions or assess personal safety.

A sugar alcohol found naturally in small amounts in fruits and vegetables and produced commercially from plant fibers such as corn cobs or birch wood. It has a sweetness similar to sucrose but fewer calories and a lower effect on blood sugar.

Why it’s used

Used as a sugar substitute and taken, often in chewing gum or lozenges, to support dental health by discouraging cavity-causing bacteria.

What the evidence is for

reduced dental caries with regular use of xylitol products.

What the evidence says

A Cochrane systematic review of xylitol-containing products, mostly chewing gum, found some evidence of reduced dental caries with regular use, though the certainty of the evidence was rated low to moderate due to variability in study design. Effects on other outcomes, such as ear infections in children, have also been studied with mixed results.

Context

Studies of dental benefit generally used xylitol delivered several times daily over months, most often through gum or lozenges rather than as a standalone powder, and higher intakes are a well-documented cause of digestive upset.

Rumors

  1. Reduced dental caries with regular use of xylitol products.

    Unresolvedhealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.