Described are isosorbide derivatives according to general formulawherein R and R′, independently of one another, are: (i) hydrogen atom, or (ii) radical COR″, wherein R″ is linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl radical having 5 to 23 carbon atoms, or (iii) linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl radical having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, or (iv) radical CH2—CHOH—R′″, wherein R′″ is linear or branched alkyl radical having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, or (v) radical (CH2—CH2O)n—H and/or (CH2—CH(CH3)—O)m—H, wherein n and m, independently of one another, are an integer or fraction from 1 to 10, or (vi) for radical SO3OX, wherein X represents a sodium or ammonium ion, with the proviso that at most one of the radicals R and R′ is a hydrogen atom. The isosorbide derivatives are useful as components of cosmetic compositions.