What it is
Sucrose tetrastearate triacetate is a sugar-based ester made by combining sucrose with stearic acid and acetic acid. It functions as an emollient and helps stabilize and structure emulsions, contributing to the texture and stability of creams and sun care emulsions. As a sucrose ester, it is a gentle, surfactant-type material used to improve feel and performance.
Safety & warnings
Generally well tolerated as a leave-on cosmetic ingredient. Sucrose esters are typically mild, and this material is not a recognized fragrance allergen; irritation is uncommon.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic ester derived from sucrose (a plant sugar) reacted with stearic and acetic acids; the fatty portion may be of plant or animal origin depending on the source.
Questions everyone asks
What is a sucrose ester?
It is an ingredient made by attaching fatty acids to a sucrose (sugar) backbone, producing a mild, gentle material often used as an emollient or emulsifier in cosmetics.
Why is it in a sunscreen emulsion?
It helps stabilize the emulsion and acts as an emollient, improving the texture, stability, and skin feel of the formula.