Question

what is sugar alcohol halal

Answer 1

Sugar alcohol is not at all the usual regular alcohol.   They just share a similar name but a completely different chemical structure.  Regular alcohol contains ethanol while sugar alcohol does not.  Sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, are ingredients used as sweeteners and thickening agents. They occur naturally in foods and come from plant products such as fruits and berries. As a sugar substitute, they provide fewer calories than regular sugar.  They are safe for diabetics and not injurious for the teeth like common sugar.  Sugar alcohols are not commonly used in home cooked foods at our kitchens, but are found in many processed or commercial foods. Food products labeled "sugar-free" including hard candies, cookies, chewing gums, soft drinks and throat lozenges often consist of sugar alcohols. They are sometimes used in toothpaste and mouthwash too.
Sugar Alcohols are not produced using the alcoholic fermentation process in the way that the usual alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine are produced. Nor are they distilled in the way that gin, vodka or whiskey are. And as I mentioned, nor do they contain the alcohol known as ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is the type of alcohol that is present in all the alcoholic drinks mentioned above.

Here is a list of some popular sugar alcohols so you can identify them when you look at a nutrition label:

    Erythritol
    Maltitol
    Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates
    Isomalt
    Lactitol
    Mannitol
    Sorbitol
    Xylitol

The only downside of sugar alcohol is that too much consumption can sometimes cause slight diarrhea in some people.  That's about all.  Sugar alcohol is allowed to be sold in all Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia.  It's definitely Halal and you can use it on your lil baby daughter's lips as well  :)  Just a suggestion on that.  Instead of using pure glycerine, mix it with a bit of water.  That way it acts as a better moisturizer .. so I've heard. ....HOPE IT IS HELPFUL FOR YOU DEAR

Answer 2

Despite "alcohol" being part of the name, sugar alcohol does not contain any ethanol, which is found in alcoholic beverages. While found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, most sugar alcohols are produced industrially, where they are processed from other sugars, including the glucose in cornstarch.