Sucrose Polycottonseedate

What is Sucrose Polycottonseedate?

Sucrose Polycottonseedate is a non-ionic compound created by esterifying sucrose, a disaccharide sugar from natural plant sources, with fatty acids sourced from cottonseed oil. This results in a multifunctional ingredient prevalent in rinse-off cleansers, shampoos, lotions, and creams. It functions primarily by lowering surface tension between liquids, which facilitates gentle cleansing, foaming, and the blending of immiscible oil and water phases into stable emulsions. Additionally, its emollient properties allow it to deposit a thin lubricating layer on the skin, enhancing smoothness and aiding in moisture retention without greasiness. Its mild nature stems from the biodegradable sucrose backbone, making it suitable for everyday personal care products where product texture and skin feel are key.

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.

Skin conditioning agent

Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Softens and smooths the skin's surface for improved texture.

Supports mild cleansing through surfactant action.

Helps create stable emulsions for consistent product performance.

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 dry skin looking for softening emollients.	Those with rare sucrose sensitivities.
Individuals preferring gentle surfactants in cleansers.	People allergic to cottonseed derivatives.
Users seeking non-comedogenic skin conditioners.	Anyone experiencing irritation from similar esters.

Safety Notes

Considered low hazard in cosmetic concentrations.
Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sucrose Polycottonseedate

What is Sucrose Polycottonseedate?

A sucrose ester from plant sugar and cottonseed fatty acids, used as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier in skincare.

Is it safe for daily use?

Rated low hazard and non-comedogenic, suitable for most in cosmetic products.

Does it irritate sensitive skin?

Known for mildness, but individual patch testing advised.