What it is
Sucrose polystearate is a sucrose ester in which stearic acid groups are bound to a sucrose backbone, giving a mild, nonionic O/W emulsifier. It produces light, soft emulsions and helps wet and disperse pigments and powders, contributing a pleasant, non-greasy skin feel. It is popular in sun care and natural-positioned formulas as a gentle alternative to traditional emulsifiers.
Safety & warnings
Sucrose esters such as sucrose polystearate are considered mild and well tolerated, with low irritation and sensitization potential, and have a history of use including food applications. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Derived from natural feedstocks: sucrose (sugar) esterified with stearic acid (a fatty acid from plant or other sources); produced by synthetic esterification.
Questions everyone asks
What is sucrose polystearate derived from?
It is a sugar ester made by attaching stearic acid to a sucrose (sugar) backbone, creating a gentle nonionic emulsifier.
Why is it chosen for sunscreens?
It is a mild emulsifier that gives light textures and helps disperse pigments and powders, which suits gentle and naturally positioned sun-care formulas.