Sucrose Polystearate

What is Sucrose Polystearate?

Sucrose Polystearate forms through esterification of sucrose, a natural sugar from plants like sugarcane or beets, with stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid often sourced from vegetable oils such as palm or coconut. This results in a non-ionic surfactant featuring a hydrophilic sugar head and hydrophobic fatty tails, ideal for cosmetic formulations. Commonly used in oil-in-water emulsions like moisturizers, creams, and mild cleansers, it works by positioning at the oil-water interface to create a stable film that prevents phase separation. Its dual nature also allows emollient effects, mimicking skin's natural lipids to enhance texture and reduce evaporation, while providing surfactant properties for foaming and dispersion in rinse-off products.

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 skin by mimicking natural lipids and improving surface smoothness.

Stabilizes emulsions in creams and lotions for even texture and application.

Offers mild cleansing through surface tension reduction without stripping moisture.

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 seeking added softness and hydration support.	Those with rare sucrose-derived allergies.
People preferring plant-derived ingredients in daily moisturizers.	People avoiding palm oil derivatives due to sourcing preferences.
Users of sensitive skin formulas needing stable, gentle products.	Individuals sensitive to fatty acid esters, though uncommon.

Safety Notes

Considered low hazard with minimal irritation potential in cosmetic use.
Supports non-comedogenic formulations suitable for acne-prone skin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sucrose Polystearate

What makes sucrose polystearate suitable for sensitive skin?

Its mild surfactant nature from natural sugar and fatty acids minimizes irritation while stabilizing gentle formulas.

Is it comedogenic?

No, it carries a zero comedogenic rating, ideal for acne-prone skin.

Where is it commonly used?

Found in moisturizers, lotions, and cleansers to emulsify and condition skin.