Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
A sugarcane extract with glycolic acid. It holds moisture and gently renews skin. Well tolerated.
Evidence by route
Topical application
A hydrating plant extract. Safe.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract (INCI: Saccharum Officinarum Extract) comes from the plant and contains sugars plus small amounts of natural glycolic acid. In a formula it mainly works as a humectant, helping hold water, and gives a very mild exfoliating action. On efficacy the marketing needs a caveat. The idea of strong exfoliation from sugarcane is usually overstated: glycolic acid content in these extracts is low, so the real renewing effect is light. As a supporting humectant it performs well, but it does not equal a cosmetic glycolic acid formulated at an effective pH and concentration. In pregnancy and breastfeeding topical use poses no systemic problem. Tolerance is good, with low irritation and allergy potential. Because of the mild acids, very reactive skin may feel a slight tingle, though that is uncommon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract safe during pregnancy?
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract for?
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
A sugarcane extract with glycolic acid.
What's the INCI name for Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract?
The INCI name is Saccharum Officinarum Extract. It may also appear as: Sugarcane Extract.
See Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Explore by category
Ingredients in the same category
Safflower Seed Oil, Schizophyllan, Serine, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Myristyl Alcohol
Published: · updated: