Sucrose Distearate
Diester of sucrose and stearic acid – an insoluble co-emulsifier and texture modifier. Pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Sucrose Distearate is a nonionic co-emulsifier and structurant, the diester of sucrose with two stearic acid molecules. It is produced by esterification of sucrose (beet or cane) with stearic acid (plant or animal origin). Suitable for natural and clean-beauty formulas; permitted by Ecocert and COSMOS. Where it is used. Creams, emulsions, lotions, body and face products at 1-4%. Usually paired with Sucrose Stearate (monoester) for stable emulsion bases with a light, pleasant texture. In Spain: Weleda Skin Food, Floracion La Natural, and many Spanish natural brand lines. In food (E473) it is an EFSA-approved emulsifier. Mechanism. Forms liquid crystals between the aqueous and oily phases of the emulsion, creating a structured matrix that holds water in the upper stratum corneum and reduces transepidermal water loss. Sensory profile: emulsions with Sucrose Distearate feel velvety, without stickiness or greasy film. Evidence base. As a functional emulsifier, no clinical trial exists – the role is formulation-related. Sucrose-complex emulsions show better hydration 4-8 hours after application compared with standard PEG-emulsifier formulas (Cosmetic Science Technology, 2016). Functional ingredient evidence base C. Safety. CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, 2019) confirmed safety of sucrose stearate and distearate at concentrations up to 10%. Non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritating. Pregnancy and breastfeeding – topical use is safe without restriction. Non-comedogenic. Practical notes. A good choice for patients with sensitive skin, post-retinoid or post-acid care, and atopic dermatitis. Compatible with every active, including retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, and acids. In INCI lists it usually appears at position 4-7. Not to be confused with sucrose as a sweetener – functional and sensory properties differ fundamentally.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sucrose Distearate safe during pregnancy?
Sucrose Distearate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sucrose Distearate for?
Sucrose Distearate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sucrose Distearate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Diester of sucrose and stearic acid – an insoluble co-emulsifier and texture modifier.
Is Sucrose Distearate 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 Distearate?
The INCI name is Sucrose Distearate.
See Sucrose Distearate 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
Other functional ingredients
Sucrose Laurate, Sucrose Palmitate, Sucrose Polystearate, Sucrose Stearate, Calcium Gluconate, Ethylcellulose, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Polyvinyl Alcohol
Published: · updated: