Sucrose is a disaccharide sourced from sugarcane or sugar beet for cosmetic use. As a water-soluble humectant, it also works as a crystalline polishing agent in scrubs, adding slip and light moisture to rinse-off and some leave-on products.
Sugar used to add moisture or gently buff away rough skin.
Category
Hydration, Skin Conditioning, Exfoliating
Type
Humectant
Ingredient Ratings
Overall Rating
Good
Comedogenic Risk
None
Skin Benefits
It attracts moisture for a softer, smoother feel and can provide gentle grain-based buffing, leaving skin feeling comfortable rather than tight after use.
Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics
It's common in lip polishes, body exfoliators, and rinse-off masks, and also appears in some lotions for touchable hydration.
Comedogenic Rating
This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.
Safety
It's considered low risk for irritation; however, overzealous scrubbing with sugar crystals can lead to micro-abrasion, especially on thin or sensitive areas. Use light pressure and avoid compromised skin.
Is Sucrose a Good Ingredient?
It rates Good thanks to its well-established humectancy and inert profile, which provides light moisturization with low irritation potential. It also acts as a gentle polishing crystal in rinse-off products, which is a solid but modest contribution.