CAS number: 50-70-4

Sorbitol T (E420)

Food and dietary supplements

Pharmaceuticals

Cosmetics

(samples available on request)

Sorbitol T (E420)

Basic parameters

INCI NameSorbitol
Chemical nameHexahydroxy alcohol
Chemical formulaC6H14O6
Putity≥ 98 %
SolubilityWater-soluble
StandardPh. Eur., USP-NF; has E420 / INS 420 status and is GRAS
CAS Number50-70-4
FormPowder
ColourWhite
pH5.0-7.5

Technical specifications – Sorbitol T (E420) for direct compression

Sorbitol T, a white powder (spray-dried form), is a raw material with a purity of ≥ 98%. Thanks to its high compressibility and thermal stability up to 180 degrees Celsius, Sorbitol T allows the granulation stage to be completely eliminated. In practice, this means a shorter production cycle, lower energy consumption and reduced operating costs.

The raw material is fully water-soluble, GMO-free and free from preservatives, which facilitates the creation of a ‘clean formulation’ for the final product. We provide a full set of documentation: the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and certificates of compliance with Ph. Eur. and USP-NF standards are available for download on request.

Compression parameters for Sorbitol T

The graph shows the relationship between compression force and tablet hardness for Sorbitol T compared with standard powdered sorbitol.

medicos-sorbitol-wykres

Chart: Compression parameters of Sorbitol T compared with standard Sorbitol

Certificates and approvals

Medicos sorbitol certificate
Medicos sorbitol certificate
Medicos sorbitol certificate
Medicos sorbitol certificate
Medicos sorbitol certificate

Sorbitol T meets the stringent pharmacopoeial requirements of the Ph. Eur. and USP-NF. It also holds E420 (INS 420) status and GRAS certification. The raw material is GMO-free and is produced under a quality management system compliant with ISO 9001. We have full documentation: from RSPO SCC statements to the regulatory documents required for pharmaceutical and food production.

General information

Quality and certifications – Sorbitol T

At MEDICOS, we monitor the quality of our raw materials at every stage – from the rigorous selection of suppliers, through the storage process, right up to the moment of delivery to the customer. We deliver not only the product, but also a guarantee that it meets the highest pharmaceutical and food standards.

Compliance with Ph. Eur. and USP-NF

Sorbitol T available from MEDICOS is fully compliant with the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) and the United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF), and also holds E420 and GRAS status. For the production and quality departments, this guarantees absolute reproducibility of physicochemical parameters. Thanks to its high purity and excellent compressibility, Sorbitol T allows the wet granulation stage to be omitted, which prevents problems with the hardness or brittleness of the finished solid dosage forms.

Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each batch

We include a detailed certificate of analysis (CoA) with every delivery, which serves as the raw material’s ‘identity document’. This document confirms key parameters such as chemical purity, the absence of Maillard reactions (guaranteeing colour stability) and stability across a wide pH range. This gives you the assurance that the raw material will behave predictably when in contact with active substances and other ingredients in the formulation.

Full regulatory documentation and SDS

The operational safety of our team and the speed of the registration processes are our top priorities. Along with the raw material, we provide an up-to-date safety data sheet (SDS) and a set of declarations: confirmation of GMO-free status, RSPO SCC status and the absence of preservatives. We shorten the path from enquiry to implementation by providing documentation that passes quality audits in the pharmaceutical and food industries without issue.

Application

IndustryExamples for use
Pharamecuticalsexcipient in tablets and lozenges, filler and carrier in direct compression formulations, fast-release formulations, dental and paediatric preparations
Cosmetics/oral hygienelozenges, carrier in solid cosmetic forms, ingredient in toothpastes and sugar-free products
Dietary supplements/sugar-free foodsfiller and sugar substitute in sugar-free products, coated tablets, mints, chewing gum, dietary supplements in tablet form, products with reduced energy value (2.4 kcal/g)

Sorbitol T for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals

In the manufacture of medicines and dietary supplements, Sorbitol T serves as an advanced excipient and filler. Thanks to its spray-dried powder structure, it offers excellent compressibility, enabling the formation of tablets with high hardness whilst maintaining low brittleness. It is particularly recommended for fast-release formulations, where precision and process reproducibility are key.

Sorbitol T in oral care products

In toothpastes, mouthwashes and dental lozenges, this ingredient acts as a stable carrier and filler. Its neutral sensory profile means it does not affect the taste of flavourings or the action of active ingredients. An additional benefit is the gentle cooling effect in the mouth, which enhances the comfort of using the finished product.

Sorbitol T for sugar-free and paediatric foods

As a non-cariogenic, low-calorie ingredient (approx. 2.4 kcal/g), Sorbitol T is the ideal choice for the production of reduced-calorie foods and paediatric preparations. It has E420 and GRAS status, which guarantees complete safety of use. Its high water solubility and stability over a wide pH range (5.0–7.5) ensure that the manufacturing process is predictable and safe.

Sorbitol T in cosmetics and skincare products

In the cosmetics industry, this raw material is primarily used in solid product forms, such as pressed powders and bath tablets. It exhibits thermal stability and does not undergo the Maillard reaction, which eliminates the risk of browning and helps maintain the product’s pure, white colour. It also acts as an effective humectant, ensuring the right level of moisture and product texture.

Available packing

  • bags 25 kg

Available particle sizes: T, TF, TFF, T80. The choice of particle size depends on the compression parameters and the specific formulation.

Sorbitol T – MEDICOS is a trusted supplier to the industry

We supply pharmaceutical-grade Sorbitol T (Ph. Eur./USP-NF) to key players in the Polish market: from manufacturers of medicines and dietary supplements, through companies in the oral hygiene sector, to innovative R&D laboratories and producers of specialist foods. By choosing to work with MEDICOS, you gain not only a pure, high-quality raw material ideal for direct compression, but above all a partner who takes on the burden of documentation and ensures the stability of production processes.

Who is Sorbitol T for?

  • Pharmaceutical companies and supplement manufacturers

  • Oral hygiene product manufacturers

  • Manufacturers of sugar-free and dietetic foods

  • R&D and technology laboratories

  • Manufacturers of colour cosmetics and bath products

  • Manufacturers of paediatric preparations

Downloadable materials

Detailed technical and regulatory documentation for the product is available from MEDICOS on request. To receive it, please send us an e-mail. We will send you a complete set of current quality and regulatory documents.

Technical support

We provide technical support at every stage of working with the raw material – from selecting the right material for the intended application, through application recommendations, to support during testing and implementation. We assist with interpreting technical data, physicochemical properties and regulatory aspects of the raw material. As part of our collaboration, we offer basic formulation advice and support in resolving typical application issues, in cooperation with the raw material manufacturer.

Additional information

How can tablet production be optimised? The use of Sorbitol T in direct compression

In modern pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing, processing time and formulation stability are key factors affecting profitability. The traditional wet granulation method results in high energy costs and prolongs the production cycle. The solution to these challenges is direct compression, which, however, requires carriers with a specific structure. Spray-dried Sorbitol T is a functional hexahydroxy alcohol, developed specifically for direct compression. Thanks to its controlled particle structure, it enables stable compression parameters to be achieved and reduces or eliminates stages in tablet mass preparation, such as granulation or drying.

Granulation efficiency vs. direct tableting – a technical analysis

Switching to direct tableting using pharmaceutical-grade sorbitol E420 with a purity of ≥98% enables higher tablet hardness to be achieved at significantly lower compression forces. In practice, this translates into tangible operational benefits:

  • reduced wear and tear on machinery – lower compression forces extend the service life of punches and dies,

  • improved aesthetics – sorbitol T reduces brittleness and dusting, ensuring excellent uniformity and finish of the finished tablets,

  • parameter stability – the specific particle structure obtained through a controlled spray-drying process guarantees the reproducibility of each batch, thereby eliminating the risk of unplanned downtime.

Physicochemical stability and protection of active ingredients

Sorbitol T is characterised by high thermal and chemical stability. Unlike conventional sugars, this polyol does not undergo the Maillard reaction (browning), which is crucial for maintaining the snow-white colour of tablets. Its moderate hygroscopicity promotes the long-term stability of formulations, reducing sensitivity to moisture. As a carrier, Sorbitol T supports the uniform binding of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), colourants and flavourings. As it remains stable across a wide pH range and is chemically inert, it does not interact with sensitive ingredients, allowing for the creation of safe fast-release products with a predictable release profile.

Bio-based purity and regulatory safety (Ph. Eur./USP-NF)

For quality and procurement departments, the traceability of raw materials is of paramount importance. Sorbitol T is produced through the catalytic hydrogenation of plant-based glucose, which makes it bio-based. It is completely free from GMOs, preservatives and solvents, which facilitates the development of clean-label products.

Compliance with the stringent pharmacopoeial requirements of Ph. Eur. and USP-NF (E/INS 420 and GRAS status) significantly shortens the supplier verification process. By choosing MEDICOS as your sorbitol distributor in Poland, which provides full access to documentation (CoA, SDS), you can be confident that the raw material will pass audits in pharmaceutical, food and dental manufacturing without any issues.

Sorbitol T (E420)

INCI name: Sorbitol

CAS number: 50-70-4

Food and dietary supplements

Pharmaceuticals

Cosmetics

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Sorbitol T – answers to frequently asked questions

When implementing raw materials for direct compression, data accuracy is key, not promises. Below, we have compiled answers to the questions we are most frequently asked regarding the physicochemical properties and behaviour of Sorbitol T in the production process, to help you quickly assess this solution.

  • Sorbitol T is produced by a spray-drying process, which gives its particles a structure that ensures high plasticity. In most pharmaceutical and food formulations, this raw material exhibits sufficient binding properties to act as a standalone filler. This allows for the achievement of adequate tablet hardness whilst maintaining low compression force. However, depending on the formulation (e.g. high API load or the presence of poorly compressible substances), it may be used in combination with other excipients.
  • The raw material retains full thermal stability up to approx. 180°C. An important parameter from the point of view of the final product’s quality is the absence of the Maillard reaction. As sorbitol is not a reducing sugar, it does not react with amino groups, which eliminates the risk of the preparation browning under the influence of temperature or during prolonged storage.
  • Yes. Sorbitol T is a polyol with a low glycaemic index and a calorific value of approximately 2.4 kcal/g. It is a non-cariogenic ingredient, making it the standard choice in the manufacture of paediatric and dental products. It has E420 and GRAS status, and complies with the requirements of the Ph. Eur. and USP, which allows it to be used in food and pharmaceutical products in accordance with current regulations.
  • Each batch of raw material is supplied with a detailed certificate of analysis (CoA) and a safety data sheet (SDS). Upon request, we provide a full set of regulatory declarations: a non-GMO declaration, RSPO SCC status, and declarations of compliance with the Ph. Eur. and USP-NF pharmacopoeial standards.
  • The difference lies in the rheology and preparation of the mixture. Standard sorbitol often requires wet granulation to achieve the flowability necessary for tableting. Sorbitol T, thanks to the structure obtained through the spray-drying process, is designed for direct compression, which in many cases allows the granulation stage to be reduced or eliminated.
    In practice, this can mean simplifying the manufacturing process and improving its reproducibility.