Sucrose
Disaccharide of glucose and fructose – a natural humectant and osmo-regulator. Retains water in the stratum corneum and gently softens the skin. Pregnancy-safe.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Natural humectant, stabilizer and osmo-regulator. Food-grade safety.
- Lee SH, Jun SH, Yeom J, et al. Optical clearing agent reduces scattering of light by the stratum corneum and modulates the physical properties of corneocytes via hydration. Skin Res Technol. 2018;24(3):371-378.. DOI 10.1111/srt.12439
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
Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose units. INCI: Sucrose. Cosmetic formulations use ordinary food-grade sucrose or its fermented derivatives. A hydrophilic compound, easily soluble in water. In cosmetics it works as a humectant – it holds water in the stratum corneum through its hydroxyl groups. The moisturizing effect is gentler than glycerin or urea, without a sticky feel. It is also used as an osmo-regulator and stabilizer for actives in high-ionic-strength formulas. Use levels run from 0.5 to 5%. Pregnancy safety. A hypoallergenic food ingredient, safety is unquestioned. Skin absorption into the systemic circulation is minimal. Skin profile. Very low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and dehydrated. No standalone active effects on collagen, the barrier or pigmentation – purely a humectant and osmo-regulator. In scrubs sucrose works as a mechanical exfoliant, but that is a physical, not chemical, action.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sucrose safe during pregnancy?
Sucrose is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sucrose for?
Sucrose suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sucrose and what does it do in cosmetics?
Disaccharide of glucose and fructose – a natural humectant and osmo-regulator.
Is Sucrose comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Sucrose?
The INCI name is Sucrose. It may also appear as: Saccharose.
See Sucrose 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.
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