Ingredient review
Sucrose Polyhydroxystearate
INCI: SUCROSE PENTAHYDROXYSTEARATE
A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.
In plain English
Sucrose pentahydroxystearate is a mild emulsifier made from sugar and a fatty acid. It helps mix water and oil in creams and lotions so they stay smooth and don't separate. Because it's derived from sugar, it's considered gentle and unlikely to irritate or clog pores, making it a good choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
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 Polyhydroxystearate 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 Polyhydroxystearate.
- 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
A semi-synthetic emulsifier created by combining sucrose (table sugar) with a fatty acid derived from castor oil. It belongs to a class of ingredients called sugar esters, known for their mildness and ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable, creamy emulsion. This prevents products from separating and gives them a smooth, uniform texture. It also has mild skin-conditioning properties, helping to soften the skin's surface.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Derived from sugar, this emulsifier is very mild and unlikely to cause irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.
Non-comedogenic
It has a low comedogenic rating, so it won't clog pores or contribute to breakouts, even for oily or acne-prone skin.
Cons and cautions
Can feel tacky
In some formulations, especially in low-humidity environments, products with this ingredient may feel slightly sticky or tacky on the skin.
Less common
It's not as widely used as other emulsifiers, so you may find fewer products that feature it prominently, limiting your choices.
Best for
- People with sensitive or reactive skin looking for a gentle emulsifier
- Those with acne-prone skin who want to avoid pore-clogging ingredients
Use caution if
- Individuals with a known allergy to castor oil derivatives (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sucrose pentahydroxystearate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in scientific literature or by regulatory agencies.
Research notes
Research on sugar esters, including sucrose pentahydroxystearate, supports their safety and mildness. They are well-tolerated in skin care and are effective emulsifiers. However, specific studies on this exact ingredient are limited, with most evidence coming from broader sugar ester research.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and most major markets. No specific restrictions or safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Cleansers, Sunscreens, Serums
- Environmental note
- Derived from sugar and castor oil, both renewable plant sources. It is biodegradable and has a low environmental impact compared to petroleum-based emulsifiers.
Good to know
- Sucrose pentahydroxystearate is often used in 'natural' or 'clean' beauty products because it's derived from renewable sources.
- It is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly compared to some synthetic emulsifiers.
Common questions
What is Sucrose Polyhydroxystearate in beauty products?
Sucrose pentahydroxystearate is a mild emulsifier made from sugar and a fatty acid. It helps mix water and oil in creams and lotions so they stay smooth and don't separate. Because it's derived from sugar, it's considered gentle and unlikely to irritate or clog pores, making it a good choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
What does Sucrose Polyhydroxystearate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable, creamy emulsion. This prevents products from separating and gives them a smooth, uniform texture. It also has mild skin-conditioning properties, helping to soften the skin's surface.
Is Sucrose Polyhydroxystearate safe for most people?
Sucrose pentahydroxystearate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in scientific literature or by regulatory agencies.
Who should be careful with Sucrose Polyhydroxystearate?
Individuals with a known allergy to castor oil derivatives (rare)
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.