Sucrose

Sucrose is primarily used as a humectant/bulking agent and, in rinse-off products, as a physical exfoliant; it is typically well tolerated and not a common contact allergen. However, at functional levels (especially in leave-on osmotic/humectant systems or abrasive scrub formats), it can sting or exacerbate barrier-compromised skin via osmotic draw and mechanical friction, so it is not fully inert for highly sensitive/eczema-prone patients. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, sucrose is used at very low levels (~0.05–1%) as a humectant/sensory modifier in leave-on creams/lotions and as a co-solute in botanical/ferment-heavy formulas. The highest consumer-available levels are found in rinse-off sugar scrubs and polish products where sucrose is the primary abrasive/bulk phase, commonly ~40–70% w/w (with the remainder typically oils, surfactants, and binders); higher levels exist mainly as near-anhydrous paste-like scrubs rather than conventional emulsions. There is no specific EU/FDA cosmetic maximum for sucrose; practical limits are driven by texture, water activity, preservation strategy, and stability (especially in water-containing leave-on systems).