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Ingredient · INCI reference

Sucrose Palmitate

A sugar-based ester of sucrose and palmitic acid used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and surfactant.

What it is

Sucrose palmitate is a nonionic sugar ester that combines a sucrose head group with a fatty acid tail, giving it surface-active and emulsifying properties. It helps blend oil and water phases and can contribute a soft, conditioning skin feel. It is valued as a mild, plant-derivable emulsifier in skincare and sun-care formulas.

Safety & warnings

Sugar esters of this type are generally regarded as mild and well tolerated in cosmetic use. As an emulsifier it functions at low to moderate levels, and it is not a recognized high-comedogenicity oil.

Origin & sourcing

Made by esterifying sucrose with palmitic acid, with feedstocks commonly derived from sugar and plant oils.

Questions everyone asks

What does sucrose palmitate do?

It is a sugar-based emulsifier that helps oil and water stay blended and adds a soft skin feel.

Is sucrose palmitate gentle?

Sugar esters are generally considered mild, nonionic emulsifiers suitable for facial products.

Sources & references

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