Ingredient review
Sucrose Myristate
INCI: SUCROSE MYRISTATE
Sucrose Myristate is a mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in skincare products while leaving a soft, non-greasy feel.
In plain English
Sucrose Myristate is a gentle ingredient made from sugar and a fatty acid called myristic acid. In skincare, it acts like a bridge that helps water and oil mix together, so your lotion or cream stays smooth and doesn't separate. It also helps your skin feel soft and smooth without leaving a heavy or sticky residue. Think of it as a friendly helper that keeps your product texture nice and your skin comfortable.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Sucrose Myristate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sucrose Myristate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Sucrose Myristate is a sugar ester, created by combining sucrose (table sugar) with myristic acid (a fatty acid found naturally in coconut oil and palm oil). It is a semi-synthetic ingredient, meaning it is made in a lab but from natural building blocks.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Sucrose Myristate sits at the boundary between water and oil droplets, reducing surface tension so they can mix into a stable emulsion. This prevents your cream or lotion from separating into watery and oily layers. On the skin, it forms a thin, non-occlusive film that helps retain moisture and gives a smooth, silky feel.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Sucrose Myristate has a low irritation risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin types and daily use without causing redness or stinging.
Improves product texture
It helps create a smooth, creamy consistency that feels lightweight and absorbs quickly, so your moisturizer won't feel heavy or greasy.
Cons and cautions
Potential sustainability issues
Myristic acid is often sourced from palm oil, which can be linked to deforestation unless certified sustainable. Check for RSPO certification if this matters to you.
Limited standalone benefits
Sucrose Myristate is primarily a texture and stability enhancer. It doesn't provide active skincare benefits like hydration or anti-aging on its own.
Best for
- People with sensitive or easily irritated skin
- Anyone looking for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer or cleanser
Use caution if
- Those with a known allergy to sugar esters (very rare)
- Individuals seeking completely palm-oil-free products (unless certified sustainable)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sucrose Myristate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Research on Sucrose Myristate focuses on its role as a mild emulsifier and skin conditioner. Studies confirm its low irritation potential and ability to form stable emulsions. It is well-tolerated in human patch tests and is not associated with sensitization.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. Generally recognized as safe when used as directed.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Cleansers, Serums, Sunscreens
- Environmental note
- Sucrose Myristate is biodegradable, but its myristic acid component is often derived from palm oil. Look for RSPO-certified palm oil or coconut-derived alternatives for a more sustainable choice.
Good to know
- Sucrose Myristate is often used in 'sugar-based' or 'natural' skincare lines because it is derived from renewable sources.
- It is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly compared to some synthetic emulsifiers.
Common questions
What is Sucrose Myristate in beauty products?
Sucrose Myristate is a gentle ingredient made from sugar and a fatty acid called myristic acid. In skincare, it acts like a bridge that helps water and oil mix together, so your lotion or cream stays smooth and doesn't separate. It also helps your skin feel soft and smooth without leaving a heavy or sticky residue. Think of it as a friendly helper that keeps your product texture nice and your skin comfortable.
What does Sucrose Myristate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Sucrose Myristate sits at the boundary between water and oil droplets, reducing surface tension so they can mix into a stable emulsion. This prevents your cream or lotion from separating into watery and oily layers. On the skin, it forms a thin, non-occlusive film that helps retain moisture and gives a smooth, silky feel.
Is Sucrose Myristate safe for most people?
Sucrose Myristate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Sucrose Myristate?
Those with a known allergy to sugar esters (very rare) Individuals seeking completely palm-oil-free products (unless certified sustainable)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.