Hair treatment compositions containing about 0.1 to about 8 wt. % of xylan or derivatives thereof; about 0.2 to about 23 wt. % of gluconic acid; about 2 to about 45 wt. % of sorbitol; and water, wherein all percentages by weight are based on the total weight of the cosmetic composition. The weight fraction of the total amount of xylan or derivatives thereof to the total amount of gluconic acid is greater than 0.2 to less than 1. Example hair treatment compositions may form a film of xylan or derivatives thereof and gluconic acid on an individual's hair after the hair treatment composition has been rinsed from the hair. Methods for producing and using such hair treatment compositions are also provided.