Sucrose Dilaurate

Benefits
Softening

What is Sucrose Dilaurate?

Sucrose Dilaurate is a non-ionic compound created by esterifying sucrose, a disaccharide sugar from sources like sugarcane, with lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid from coconut or palm kernel oils. It serves as a multifunctional ingredient in skincare formulations, particularly cleansers, lotions, creams, and shampoos. Functionally, it lowers surface tension between oil and water, enabling the formation of stable emulsions that deliver uniform texture and improved spreadability. As an emollient, it deposits a lightweight film on the skin to smooth irregularities and support barrier function alongside other moisturizers. Its surfactant properties aid gentle cleansing by loosening dirt and oils without stripping natural lipids, making it suitable for mild washing products. Derived from renewable plant materials, it aligns with preferences for biodegradable, nature-inspired cosmetic actives.

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:

Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Provides softening by smoothing skin's surface and enhancing texture.

Supports emulsion stability for consistent lotion and cream formulas.

Offers mild cleansing through surfactant action that preserves skin lipids.

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 rough skin needing emollient softening.
Those with allergies to sucrose or coconut-derived fatty acids.
Users of gentle cleansers preferring sugar-based surfactants.
Individuals sensitive to ester-based emulsifiers.
People seeking stable, spreadable moisturizers without heavy feel.
People experiencing reactions to non-ionic surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard with minimal risk in typical cosmetic use.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to contribute to pore blockage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sucrose Dilaurate

What makes Sucrose Dilaurate unique in cosmetics?

It combines sugar and fatty acid for mild emulsifying, softening, and cleansing without harshness.

Is Sucrose Dilaurate suitable for sensitive skin?

Its low hazard profile and gentle nature make it appropriate for many, barring specific allergies.

How does it function in product formulas?

It blends oils and water for stable textures while adding skin-softening benefits.