Sucrose Polybehenate

What is Sucrose Polybehenate?

Sucrose Polybehenate is a cosmetic ingredient formed by esterifying sucrose, a natural sugar from plants, with behenic acid, a long-chain saturated fatty acid typically sourced from vegetable oils like rapeseed or rice bran. This results in a waxy, high-melting solid with emollient properties. In skincare formulations, it belongs to the category of sucrose esters, commonly used in lipsticks, creams, lotions, and cleansers. It functions as an emollient by depositing a thin film on the skin to smooth roughness and limit transepidermal water loss. As a surfactant and emulsifying agent, it reduces surface tension to enable oil-water blending and gentle foaming, contributing to stable textures in emulsions and micellar products. Its plant-based origin supports use in milder, biodegradable cosmetics, offering a non-greasy feel and compatibility with sensitive formulations.

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

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.

Benefits

Provides emolliency to soften and smooth skin texture.

Acts as an emulsifier to create stable lotions and creams.

Serves as a mild surfactant for gentle cleansing 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 skin needing moisture-retaining emollients.
Those with rare allergies to sucrose or behenic acid.
People with sensitive skin preferring low-irritation surfactants.
People sensitive to waxy emollients in heavy formulations.
Users seeking non-comedogenic ingredients in daily products.
Individuals avoiding sugar-derived cosmetic esters.

Safety Notes

  • Assessed as low hazard by EWG with scores of 1.
  • Deemed safe for use in cosmetics by Cosmetic Ingredient Review.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sucrose Polybehenate

What is Sucrose Polybehenate?

A plant-based ester of sucrose and behenic acid used as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier in cosmetics.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

It has low hazard ratings and mild properties suitable for many sensitive skin formulations.

What products contain it?

Commonly found in creams, lotions, lip products, and cleansers for texture and stability.