Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sweetener and humectant in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is a white crystalline powder that is derived from glucose, and has a sweet taste similar to that of sugar. Sorbitol is commonly used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free candies, gums, and other confections. It is also used as a humectant in baked goods and other food products to help retain moisture and improve texture. In the pharmaceutical industry, sorbitol is used as an excipient in tablets and other formulations to improve the stability and shelf life of the product.