Ingredient review
Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate
INCI: Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate
A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams while leaving skin feeling soft.
In plain English
Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate is a mild ingredient made from sugar and a fatty acid derived from castor oil. In skincare, it acts like a bridge that helps water and oil mix together, creating smooth, stable creams and lotions. It also leaves a light, non-greasy feel on the skin, making it popular in moisturizers for normal to dry skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
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
Easy yes for most routines
Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate 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 Tetrahydroxystearate.
- 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 ester formed by combining sucrose (table sugar) with tetrahydroxystearic acid, a fatty acid derived from castor oil. It functions primarily as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil phases in a formula, allowing them to blend into a stable emulsion. Once applied, it forms a thin, non-occlusive film on the skin that helps retain moisture without feeling heavy or sticky.
Pros
Gentle emulsifier
It stabilizes creams and lotions without the need for harsh detergents, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Light skin feel
Unlike some heavy waxes, it leaves a soft, non-sticky finish that works well under makeup or sunscreen.
Cons and cautions
Limited versatility
It is primarily an emulsifier and does not provide significant active benefits like hydration or anti-aging.
Potential for greasiness
In high concentrations, it may feel slightly heavy for those with very oily or acne-prone skin.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a gentle moisturizer
- Those who prefer products with mild, sugar-derived ingredients
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to castor oil derivatives (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate is considered safe for topical use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, though patch testing is recommended for those with very sensitive skin.
Research notes
Research on this specific ester is limited, but sucrose esters in general are well-studied as safe, mild emulsifiers. No significant adverse effects have been reported in cosmetic use.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and most major markets. No known restrictions.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Creams, Lotions, Cleansers
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable sources (sugar and castor oil) and is biodegradable, making it a relatively eco-friendly choice.
Good to know
- Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate is often used in 'natural' or 'gentle' formulations as an alternative to PEG-based emulsifiers.
- It is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly compared to some synthetic emulsifiers.
Common questions
What is Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate in beauty products?
Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate is a mild ingredient made from sugar and a fatty acid derived from castor oil. In skincare, it acts like a bridge that helps water and oil mix together, creating smooth, stable creams and lotions. It also leaves a light, non-greasy feel on the skin, making it popular in moisturizers for normal to dry skin.
What does Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil phases in a formula, allowing them to blend into a stable emulsion. Once applied, it forms a thin, non-occlusive film on the skin that helps retain moisture without feeling heavy or sticky.
Is Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate safe for most people?
Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate is considered safe for topical use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, though patch testing is recommended for those with very sensitive skin.
Who should be careful with Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate?
Individuals with known allergies 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.