The Best Nasal Spray for a Stuffy Nose

Normal saline nasal sprays can dry out your nose, leaving it more irritated and vulnerable to germs. But with xylitol, Xlear Saline Nasal Spray will moisturize and soothe your nose to help you breathe easy.

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FAQ

What is xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener. It is also produced in the human body as a by-product of a normal metabolism. Xlear's xylitol is pharmaceutical grade, meaning it is more than 99.95% pure, and is made from non-GMO (non-genetically modified organism) corn fibers. It does not contain any of the corn grain and it is tested to ensure that no corn allergens, mycotoxins, or corn proteins of any type are in it.

How can xylitol nasal spray help my runny nose?

Xylitol in Xlear nasal spray alters the salt concentration of in your nostrils and enhances innate antimicrobials, and may inhibit the growth of common sinus germs. Studies suggest that the xylitol in Xlear nasal sprays or irrigations can improve sinonasal symptom scores and may offer additional benefit compared with saline alone in select groups (for example, some post‑surgical sinus patients).

Is xylitol nasal spray safe?

Xylitol nasal preparations are generally well tolerated, with few side effects and no trial withdrawals; mild increased nasal secretions or irritation can occur in some users. A study also found the spray to be safe over several months of use.

When can I use xylitol nasal spray?

You can use Xlear nasal spray several times daily to keep nasal passages moist and help clear mucus and irritants, but exact frequency and dosing depend on the product label and your doctor's advice. For chronic sinus issues, allergies, recent sinus surgery, or for young children, discuss the use of Xlear with a healthcare professional, as Xlear complements but does not replace medical treatment.

How does xylitol nasal spray compare to saline alone?

Several small trials in adults with chronic rhinosinusitis or after sinus surgery found that xylitol irrigations improved symptom scores (such as nasal obstruction and overall sinonasal symptom scales) more than saline alone over a few weeks. Some studies also report greater reductions in nasal pain and obstruction scores with xylitol solutions compared to saline.

Does xylitol nasal spray work for allergies?

Xylitol nasal sprays may help lessen nasal and eye allergy symptoms, but they are best viewed as an add‑on to standard allergy treatments rather than a replacement.

How often should I use xylitol nasal spray for allergies?

Xlear xylitol saline sprays for allergies are used at least twice daily, and can usually be used more often as needed, while some prescription or decongestant‑containing xylitol sprays have stricter limits (for example, no more than 2 doses per day).

Should I use xylitol nasal spray for a cold or flu?

Xlear xylitol nasal spray can be used for comfort during a cold or flu, but it should be considered an optional add‑on rather than essential treatment.

Can preemptive use of Xlear xylitol nasal spray prevent a cold or flu?

Using Xlear xylitol saline spray at the first sign of symptoms or after high‑risk exposures may help keep nasal passages moist, support mucus clearance, and potentially lower the number of germs in your nose, but it should be considered supportive care rather than actual medicine.

Are there any side effects for xylitol nasal spray?

Xlear Xylitol nasal sprays are generally well tolerated, with mostly mild and temporary side effects reported in studies and reviews.

Was Xlear nasal spray recalled at Walgreens?

Recent news reports describe a recall of Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol (a Walgreens-branded product). Xlear is a separate brand and Xlear products are not part of that recall.

Sources

1. Hui, N. (2022). Xylitol nasal preparations in sinonasal disease: a literature review and meta-analysis. The Australian Journal of Otolaryngology. https://www.theajo.com/article/view/4479/html
2. Kang, Y. J. (2025). Role of Xylitol Nasal Irrigation in the Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Wiley. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186273/
3. Soler, E., de Mendoza, A., Cuello, V. I., Silva-Vetri, M. G., Núñez, Z. H., Ortega, R. G., … et al. (2022). Intranasal xylitol for the treatment of COVID-19 in the outpatient setting: a pilot study. Cureus. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9395150/
4. Jiang, R. S. (2024). Efficacy and Safety of Xylitol Nasal Irrigation after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). MDPI. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165587623003853
5. Weissman, J. D. (2011). Xylitol nasal irrigation in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis: a pilot study. Laryngoscope, 121, 2468–2472. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21994147/
6. Rabago, D. (2020). Results of a randomized controlled trial assessing saline and xylitol nasal irrigation in chronic sinus symptoms. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7444787/
7. Hayer, S. D. (2015). Effectiveness of nasal irrigation for chronic rhinosinusitis and fatigue symptoms: saline vs xylitol rinse study. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4387129/
8. da Silva, C. F. F. S. (2022). Symptom assessment after nasal irrigation with xylitol in the postoperative period after endonasal endoscopic surgery. PMC. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1808869420300938
9. Go, C. C., et al. (2021). Intranasal therapy and COVID-19: comprehensive literature review including xylitol nasal spray. ProBiologists. https://probiologists.com/Uploads/Articles/11_637497463703161509.pdf
10. Huijghebaert, S. (2023). Saline nasal irrigation and gargling in COVID-19: part II. Frontiers in Public Health. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1161881/full
11. “Xylitol.” (n.d.). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol