Humectant

Humectants are food additives that prevent foods from drying out by binding in the production of added water (ie prevent evaporation ) or pull humidity to during storage. By preventing the hardening of the finished food, they act as plasticizers. In confectionery, they counteract the crystallization of the sugar.

Examples of humectants are:

• Glycerol ( E422 )

Glycerin is a colorless, odorless and viscous liquid that tastes sweet at room temperature. Chemically bound glycerol is present in each fat.

• Polydextrose ( E 1200 )

Connection of glucose (sugar), sorbitol ( a sugar substitute ) and citric acid.

• Sorbitol (E420 )

Such as contained in pears, plums, apples, apricots, peaches and dried fruit. It is a sweetener, but has only 60% of the sweetness of sugar.

Cosmetics

Skin Care

In skin care play humectants such as glycerol, sorbitol, 1,2-propylene glycol, xylitol or other polyols, an important role.

Dental hygiene

Humectants are added to prevent the toothpaste from drying out and to preserve the consistency so that the paste remains soft even after prolonged storage and not caked.