Science
Mechanism of Action
Operating as a natural humectant, Sucrose actively attracts and binds water to the skin, ensuring sustained hydration, plumpness, and suppleness. Its fine crystalline structure provides gentle physical exfoliation, removing surface dead cells without compromising the skin's natural barrier. Furthermore, Sucrose naturally contains mild glycolic acid, aiding in chemical exfoliation, and exhibits soothing qualities to mitigate redness. It is also believed to bolster collagen synthesis, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and offer antioxidant protection against free radicals, while enhancing product texture for improved spreadability.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Medium confidenceN/A
Key findings
- 01 A skin patch test involving 30 volunteers showed no significant signs of irritation (mean score: 0.28). A desquamation index assessment in 21 participants revealed a significant 44.07% reduction, confirming its exfoliating efficacy. The concentration of sucrose in the tested scrub was not specified.
- 02 In an in vivo rat study, 70% sucrose, when incorporated into glucose/mannose films, was highly effective for deep wound healing. It led to complete wound closure within one week, promoted early regeneration of the mature epidermal layer, stimulated angiogenesis, and resulted in the deposition of thicker, oriented collagen fibers.
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Sucrose is generally stable in neutral solutions but can undergo hydrolysis (degradation) at extreme acidic or alkaline pH levels. No specific optimal pH range for stability in skincare formulations was consistently identified.
Safety
Safety Profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded in 2019 that mono- and disaccharides, including sucrose, are safe in current practices of use and concentration. The FDA also lists Sucrose as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for direct food addition. Its use in cosmetics and personal care products is permitted in Europe under the general provisions of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
Sucrose is a valuable and versatile ingredient, offering proven humectant and gentle exfoliating benefits, suitable for all skin types with a low risk of irritation, making it ideal for a wide range of skincare applications.
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