Sorbitol is a polyalcohol. In cosmetics and personal care products, Sorbitol is used in a wide range of products including aftershave lotions, baby shampoos and hair grooming aids. Sorbitol is also used as a sugar substitute and is added to many foods.
The safety of Sorbitol as been assessed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. The review concluded that it was not necessary to limit the dietary intake of Sorbitol and related sugars.In the Code of Federal Regulations, FDA notes that Sorbitol is used in food at levels not to exceed good manufacturing practices. A maximum level of 99% of Sorbitol may be used in hard candy and cough drops, 98% in soft candy, 30% in jams and jellies, commercial, 30% in baked goods and baking mixes, 17% in frozen dairy desserts and mixes and 12% in all other foods. FDA also notes that products containing Sorbitol which may result in a daily ingestion of 50 grams of Sorbitol must bear the statement: "Excess consumption may have a laxative effect."
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
Laxative Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use; Tentative Final Monograph; US 50 Federal Register 2124-58 (January 15, 1985).
http://www.fda.gov/cder/otcmonographs/Laxative/laxative_TF_1...
Sorbitol may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/html/consolidated_d...
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives has not specified an Acceptable Daily Intake for Sorbitol.
http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jeceval/jec_2187.htm