Sorbitol, also known as glucitol, is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste which the human body metabolizes slowly. It is obtained by reduction of glucose changing the aldehyde group to a hydroxyl group. It is used as a sweetener, humectant, and in pharmaceuticals. It occurs naturally in some fruits and is produced industrially from corn syrup. Sorbitol is about 60% as sweet as sucrose and has a cooling effect when dissolved in the mouth. Its hygroscopic properties make it valuable for moisture retention in foods and cosmetics.