Sucrose palmitate is a sucrose ester of palmitic acid used widely in cosmetic emulsions. It improves phase stability, adds slip and spread, and helps pigments wet evenly in creams, sunscreens, and makeup, without a heavy feel.
A sugar-based emulsifier that helps formulas spread smoothly.
Category
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Type
Emulsifier
Ratings
Overall Rating
Great
Comedogenic Risk
None
Not typically evaluated for comedogenicity — no standardized rating available.
Our take
Is Sucrose Palmitate a Good Ingredient?
It earns a Great rating as a nonionic sucrose ester that improves emulsion stability and slip with a typically low irritation profile and good compatibility across formulas. Its reliable performance and texture enhancement make it a versatile choice for creams, sunscreens, and makeup.
What it does
Skin Benefits
It improves glide and even pigment laydown for a more uniform look and comfortable wear.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
It's common in foundations, tinted moisturizers, daily sunscreens, and facial creams to improve application consistency.
Before you use it
Safety
It's considered low risk for irritation in most users; very sensitive skin may react if formulations use higher percentages. No widely recognized restrictions apply for standard cosmetic applications.