Sucrose Stearate

Benefits
Softening

What is Sucrose Stearate?

Sucrose Stearate is an ester derived from sucrose, a simple sugar from plants, and stearic acid, a common fatty acid from vegetable sources like palm or coconut oil. Classified as a non-ionic surfactant, it serves as a key ingredient in skincare emulsions such as lotions, creams, cleansers, and makeup removers. It functions by lowering surface tension at the oil-water interface, forming stable mixtures that prevent separation and deliver uniform textures. This action supports even distribution of active ingredients while imparting a silky feel. Its hydrophilic sugar head and lipophilic fatty tail enable mild foaming and solubilizing properties, making it suitable for rinse-off and leave-on products. The ingredient's natural origin promotes biodegradability, and it mimics skin lipids to enhance softness without disrupting the barrier.

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

Softens and smooths skin by filling surface irregularities.

Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions for consistent product texture.

Provides gentle cleansing and moisture retention in formulas.

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 needing softening effects.
Those with rare allergies to sucrose or stearic acid.
People with sensitive skin preferring mild surfactants.
Individuals sensitive to sugar-based surfactants.
Users seeking stable, natural-derived emulsions in daily products.
People preferring fully anhydrous formulations without emulsifiers.

Safety Notes

  • Low hazard rating from safety assessments.
  • Non-comedogenic, suitable for acne-prone skin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sucrose Stearate

What is Sucrose Stearate used for in skincare?

It emulsifies oil and water, softens skin, and enables mild cleansing in creams and cleansers.

Is Sucrose Stearate safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, it has a low hazard profile and mild properties suitable for sensitive formulations.

Does Sucrose Stearate cause acne?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of zero and does not clog pores.