Sucrose Polysoyate

What is Sucrose Polysoyate?

Sucrose Polysoyate is a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient produced by esterifying sucrose, a simple sugar derived from plants, with a blend of fatty acids sourced from soybean oil. This creates a waxy, lipid-like compound belonging to the sucrose ester family, commonly incorporated into moisturizers, lotions, creams, and cleansers. In formulations, it functions primarily as an emollient, forming a flexible film on the skin's surface to mimic natural lipids and enhance smoothness. As an emulsifying agent, it bridges oil and water phases, preventing separation and ensuring even texture. Its surfactant capabilities lower surface tension mildly, supporting foam formation and rinse-off in wash products without stripping the skin barrier. Valued for its renewable, vegetable origin, it provides a natural-feeling slip and hydration boost in daily skincare routines.

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

Delivers emolliency to smooth skin texture and minimize dryness.

Emulsifies oil-water mixtures for stable, creamy product formulas.

Acts as a mild surfactant to support effective yet gentle 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
People with dry or rough skin needing softening agents.
Individuals with known soy allergies due to its soy-derived fatty acids.
Users of lotions and creams for improved product spreadability.
People sensitive to ester-based surfactants.
Those seeking plant-derived ingredients in daily routines.
Those preferring fully non-lipid cosmetic formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Assessed as low hazard with minimal irritation potential in cosmetic use.
  • Supported as safe by cosmetic ingredient review panels for typical concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sucrose Polysoyate

What is Sucrose Polysoyate made from?

It forms through esterification of sucrose sugar with fatty acids from soybean oil.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, it shows low irritation potential and supports mild formulations.

What products commonly contain it?

Found in moisturizers, lotions, creams, and gentle cleansers.