HomeIngredient LibrarySucrose Palmitate

Emulsifier

Sucrose Palmitate

Sucrose Palmitate is a emulsifier, surfactant, solubilizer, stabilizer used in cosmetic and personal-care formulation. Typical use level is 0.5%–5%. It is water-soluble. Stable in the pH 4–8 range.

At a glance

CAS number
26446-38-8
INCI name
Sucrose Palmitate
Function
emulsifier, surfactant, solubilizer, stabilizer
Typical use level
0.5%–5%
Solubility
water
Stable pH
4–8

CAS number and synonyms are sourced from PubChem. Function, usage levels, pH and compatibility are AI-assisted formulation guidance — verify against your supplier's technical data sheet and applicable regulations before use.

Also known as

Sucrose Monopalmitate Sugar Palmitate Palmitic Acid Sucrose Ester Sucrose Ester of Palmitic Acid

Compatibility

Works well with:
Glycerin Xanthan Gum Carbomer Cetearyl Alcohol Sodium Hyaluronate Niacinamide

Use caution with:
High concentrations of electrolytes Strong acids Strong alkalis

Sucrose Palmitate is sensitive to extremes of pH and may hydrolyze under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions, reducing emulsification performance. High electrolyte concentrations can disrupt its HLB-dependent emulsification behavior; formulators should test stability carefully when salt levels are elevated. It is generally well tolerated with mild co-emulsifiers and hydrocolloid thickeners.

Formulation notes

Sucrose Palmitate is a sugar ester formed by esterification of sucrose with palmitic acid, yielding a mild, biodegradable nonionic emulsifier with an HLB value of approximately 15, making it suitable for oil-in-water emulsions. It is commonly used in leave-on skincare, baby care, and sensitive-skin formulations due to its gentle, skin-compatible profile derived from naturally sourced starting materials. Formulators value it for its ability to improve emulsion stability and skin feel while meeting consumer demand for naturally derived and readily biodegradable ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sucrose Palmitate?

Sucrose Palmitate is a emulsifier, surfactant, solubilizer, stabilizer used in cosmetic and personal-care formulation. Typical use level is 0.5%–5%. It is water-soluble. Stable in the pH 4–8 range.

What is Sucrose Palmitate used for?

Sucrose Palmitate is used as emulsifier, surfactant, solubilizer, stabilizer in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.

What is the typical use level of Sucrose Palmitate?

Sucrose Palmitate is typically used at 0.5%–5% in the finished formulation. Always confirm against your supplier's technical data sheet.

What is the CAS number of Sucrose Palmitate?

The CAS registry number for Sucrose Palmitate is 26446-38-8. Its INCI name is Sucrose Palmitate.

At what pH is Sucrose Palmitate stable?

Sucrose Palmitate is generally stable in the pH 4–8 range.

What ingredients are compatible with Sucrose Palmitate?

Sucrose Palmitate works well with Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide. Use caution when combining it with High concentrations of electrolytes, Strong acids, Strong alkalis.

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