Sucrose

What is Sucrose?

Sucrose is a disaccharide sugar molecule made of glucose and fructose units, naturally sourced from sugarcane, sugar beets, and certain fruits. In cosmetic formulations, it appears across moisturizers, cleansers, serums, masks, and oral care items. As a humectant, it binds atmospheric moisture and retains it within the skin's outer layer to support hydration levels. It also serves as a skin conditioning agent by helping maintain the skin's barrier integrity and flexibility, promoting a smoother texture. In products for lips or mouth, it functions as a flavoring agent to enhance sensory appeal without overpowering other notes. Its soothing properties stem from a gentle interaction that calms minor discomfort. Derived renewably, sucrose integrates easily into water-based formulas due to its solubility, contributing to product stability and user-friendly feel across various skincare categories.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Flavoring agent
Adds or adjusts taste and aroma in oral care and lip products, improving user acceptance while complementing the overall sensory profile.
Humectant
Attracts and holds water in the stratum corneum, boosting hydration and plumpness; commonly used in moisturizers, cleansers, and hair conditioners.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Soothing
Helps reduce the feeling of discomfort and visible irritation by supporting skin calmness, often through anti-irritant, barrier-supporting, or cooling mechanisms.

Benefits

Supports skin hydration by attracting and retaining moisture.

Promotes softness and smoothness through conditioning effects.

Helps calm skin discomfort with soothing action.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with dry or dehydrated skin seeking moisture retention.
Those with rare sucrose-specific contact allergies.
People preferring natural-derived ingredients for conditioning.
People sensitive to high-sugar formulations in peels.
Users of sensitive skin products needing gentle soothing.
Individuals avoiding humectants in very oily climates.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by safety assessments for cosmetic use.
  • Minimal risk of irritation or sensitization in typical concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sucrose

Is sucrose comedogenic?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, suitable for all skin types.

What EWG score does sucrose have?

EWG rates it 1, indicating low hazard overall.

Can sucrose soothe skin?

Yes, it supports skin calmness through gentle conditioning.