Ingredient dictionary

Sucrose

Also listed as: Sugar, Table sugar

Sucrose is ordinary table sugar, a simple sugar made of glucose and fructose. In skincare it works mainly as a humectant that helps hold water in the skin. It is on the label of 19 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Sucrose does

Attracts and holds water in the formula
Helps skin feel comfortable after rinsing
Adds a light, smooth texture

Sucrose comes from sugar cane or sugar beet. Producers extract the juice, purify it, and crystallize it into the white sugar used in kitchens. Cosmetic sucrose is made the same way, then checked for quality so it suits skin and hair products.

Formulators use sucrose mainly as a humectant. Its molecules bind water, which helps a wash or cleanser leave skin feeling comfortable rather than tight. It dissolves easily in water, so it blends into clear and creamy formulas alike, and it adds a light, smooth texture.

Good for

People who like gentle, simple formulas and want a mild hydrating ingredient in a wash or cleanser.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is sucrose the same as table sugar?

Yes, in essence. Sucrose is the chemical name for table sugar. Cosmetic-grade sucrose is the same molecule, sourced and processed to meet cosmetic quality standards. It is not a different or stronger form of sugar.

Does sucrose make skin sticky?

Usually not. In a rinse-off product like a body wash or cleanser, sucrose is washed away with water. Because it is water-soluble, it does not leave an oily film, though skin may feel slightly smooth after rinsing.