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Moumoujus

SUCROSE PALMITATE.

Valuable CAS 26446-38-8 / 39300-95-3 / SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Sucrose Palmitate is a versatile, plant-derived sugar ester primarily functioning as a natural emulsifier to enhance product texture and stability. This multi-functional ingredient also provides significant moisturizing benefits, strengthens the skin's protective barrier, and acts as a gentle, non-stripping cleanser, making it suitable for a wide range of precision skincare applications.

Summary

Emulsifying Skin conditioning Emollient Humectant Moisturizing agent Surfactant Barrier strengthening

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates through several key mechanisms to benefit the skin. As a natural emulsifier, it effectively blends immiscible oil and water phases, ensuring product homogeneity and stability. Its sugar-based structure acts as a humectant, drawing and retaining moisture within the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss and promote long-lasting hydration. Additionally, Sucrose Palmitate functions as an emollient, imparting a soft, silky feel to both cosmetic formulations and the skin. It also serves as a mild, non-stripping surfactant, gently lifting oil and impurities. Furthermore, it can enhance the absorption of other active ingredients and contributes to strengthening the skin's natural protective barrier.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 1–2%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 A nanoemulsion containing up to 2% Sucrose Palmitate demonstrated excellent skin tolerability in a 24-hour occlusive patch test on human subjects, with no visible adverse reactions observed.
  2. 02 Concentrations of 1-2% w/w were utilized in buccal films to investigate mechanical, structural, and mucoadhesive properties, indicating its functional role in film formulations.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Sucrose Palmitate is oil-soluble and practically insoluble in water. It disperses best in the oil phase, often requiring high heat during processing (with a melting point around 48°C for some grades) to ensure proper incorporation and mixing. While it tolerates processing heat well, some sources suggest maintaining temperatures below 40°C for optimal long-term product stability.

Synergies

  • Enhances the absorption of other active ingredients.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
3%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that saccharide esters, including Sucrose Palmitate, are safe for use in cosmetics at current concentrations and practices. While industry surveys did not report a specific maximum concentration, general usage rates as an emulsifier range from 0.1% to 3.0%. Sucrose Monopalmitate, a synonym, is also recognized by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as a flavoring agent or adjuvant. European Union and other international regulatory bodies affirm its safety for cosmetic applications.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sucrose Palmitate is a valuable, multi-functional ingredient that significantly enhances formulation stability, provides robust moisturization, supports skin barrier integrity, and offers gentle cleansing without contributing to irritation or comedogenicity.

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