What it is
This is a nonionic surfactant made by combining sucrose (table sugar) with stearic acid, a fatty acid. It helps oil and water blend into stable emulsions and is valued for being mild, which makes it popular in products aimed at sensitive skin. In sunscreens it contributes to emulsion structure and a soft skin feel rather than to UV protection.
Safety & warnings
Sugar esters such as sucrose stearate are generally regarded as mild, nonionic emulsifiers with low irritation potential, and are often selected for gentle or sensitive-skin formulas.
Origin & sourcing
Derived from renewable feedstocks; an ester formed from sucrose and stearic acid, both of which can come from plant sources.
Questions everyone asks
What is sucrose stearate made from?
It is an ester of sucrose (sugar) and stearic acid (a fatty acid), giving a mild, sugar-based emulsifier.
Why is it used in sunscreen?
It works as a gentle emulsifier to keep the oil and water phases blended and to give the product a soft, smooth feel.