Sucrose Palmitate

What is Sucrose Palmitate?

Sucrose Palmitate is a non-ionic surfactant created by esterifying sucrose, a natural disaccharide from sugar cane or beets, with palmitic acid, a common fatty acid from vegetable oils like palm or coconut. This results in a plant-derived ingredient with amphiphilic properties, meaning it has both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (oil-loving) parts. In cosmetics, it appears in categories such as moisturizers, cleansers, and makeup removers. It functions by lowering surface tension between oil and water phases, forming stable emulsions that prevent separation in lotions and creams. As an emollient, it mimics skin's natural lipids to smooth the surface and reduce water loss. Its surfactant action supports mild foaming and dirt removal without harshness, while skin conditioning effects maintain suppleness. Derived through enzymatic or chemical processes, it offers a biodegradable alternative to synthetic emulsifiers.

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 emolliency to soften and smooth skin texture.

Stabilizes emulsions for consistent product texture in creams and lotions.

Acts as a gentle surfactant for effective yet non-stripping cleansing.

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 seeking softening effects.
Those with known allergies to sucrose or palmitic acid.
People preferring plant-derived emulsifiers in daily moisturizers.
People sensitive to palm-derived ingredients.
Users of sensitive skin formulas needing stable, mild cleansers.
Individuals preferring fully anhydrous products without surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG with scores of 1 across assessments.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by expert reviews on sucrose esters.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sucrose Palmitate

What is Sucrose Palmitate made from?

It forms from sucrose, a natural sugar, esterified with palmitic acid from plant oils.

Is Sucrose Palmitate safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, it carries low irritation risk and EWG scores of 1.

How does it function in skincare products?

It emulsifies oils and water, emolliates skin, and provides mild surfactant action.