Sucrose Polystearate

Sucrose polystearate is a nonionic surfactant made by esterifying sucrose with several stearic acid chains. Skincare and cosmetics use it to stabilize oil-in-water mixtures and improve texture and spreadability.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A sugar-derived emulsifier that keeps formulas smooth and stable.
Category
Emulsifying
Type
Emulsifier

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It helps keep formulas uniform and prevents separation for a consistently smooth feel, improving glide and cushion on application without a heavy residue.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's often included in lotions, creams, and sunscreens to maintain an even texture, and used in serums to improve application slip and a soft-touch finish.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

It carries generally low irritation at customary cosmetic concentrations; patch testing is sensible for very sensitive skin. Avoid direct eye exposure if you're prone to sting. No specific regulatory limitations are commonly cited for topical use.

Is Sucrose Polystearate a Good Ingredient?

It rates Good because it's an efficient nonionic emulsifier that keeps formulas uniform while typically being gentle on skin. A minority of users may notice mild irritation, particularly at higher use levels or around the eye area, which keeps it below Great.

Products with Sucrose Polystearate

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