Sucrose Laurate

Benefits
Softening

What is Sucrose Laurate?

Sucrose Laurate is a non-ionic surfactant produced by linking sucrose, a disaccharide from sugar cane or beets, with lauric acid sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils. This ester compound appears in cleansers, moisturizers, and lotions within natural and gentle skincare lines. It functions by lowering surface tension for soft foaming and residue-free rinsing, forming protective films at oil-water interfaces to blend phases into stable emulsions, and depositing a light layer on skin to enhance smoothness and reduce water evaporation. As a multifunctional agent, it supports product texture while contributing to skin feel without heavy residue, appealing for eco-friendly formulations due to its biodegradability and renewable origins.

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

Softens skin by filling surface irregularities for smoother texture.

Enables mild cleansing and foaming with less disruption to skin barrier.

Stabilizes emulsions for consistent lotion and cream consistency.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with sensitive skin needing gentle surfactants.
Anyone with rare allergies to sucrose or coconut-derived fatty acids.
Individuals preferring natural-derived emollients in daily routines.
People sensitive to ester-based surfactants.
Those formulating or using products for dry, rough textures.
Individuals avoiding sugar-derived cosmetic ingredients.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by safety assessments for typical cosmetic use.
  • Non-comedogenic, with minimal pore-clogging potential.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sucrose Laurate

What makes Sucrose Laurate unique in skincare?

Its origin from sucrose and lauric acid creates a biodegradable, multifunctional agent for gentle action.

Is Sucrose Laurate suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, it shows low irritation potential in safety reviews.

How does it function in cleansers?

It reduces surface tension for effective yet mild foaming and rinsing.