Sugar ester

A 100% plant-derived emulsifier. A blend of sugar and the naturally occurring substance stearic acid. In nature, sucrose is found in most fruit and vegetables. Usually sourced from sugar cane and sugar beet, sucrose is the raw material used to produce ordinary white sugar, a common ingredient in many foods. Stearic acid is a fatty acid found in high concentrations in shea butter and cocoa butter. These raw materials are obtained from renewable plant sources, ensuring they are fully compatible with the principles of natural cosmetics. The manufacturing process involves esterifying sucrose with stearic acid, creating a non-ionic emulsifier with low ecotoxicity and high biodegradability. Dulcia natural uses high-quality sugar esters that meet the strictest Ecocert and COSMOS certification standards, the world's most prestigious certifications for natural and organic cosmetics.

It is an emollient that softens the skin and smooths its texture, provides hydration, reduces skin irritation and leaves skin feeling soothed. As an emulsifier, it stabilises emulsions in creams, lotions and gels, ensuring an even distribution of active ingredients. It works by promoting the formation of a protective lipid film on the skin's surface to help retain moisture, restoring the skin barrier through the emollient properties of stearic acid, and soothing irritation with its gentle texture. At concentrations of 2-5 %, it significantly improves the flow and texture of products and makes them feel more comfortable on the skin without greasiness.

It is recommended for dry, sensitive, dehydrated and mature skin, where it effectively hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier. It is also suitable for oily and acne-prone skin in lightweight formulations, as it does not clog pores and reduces irritation caused by other ingredients. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2015) showed that sucrose stearate at a concentration of 3 % reduced transepidermal water loss by 25 % after 4 weeks of application to dry skin and improved skin elasticity by 18 % (Draelos et al., 2015). Further research in the Journal of Surfactants and Detergents (2018) confirmed that at a concentration of 4 %, it provides excellent emulsion stability at pH 5-7 and minimises irritation compared with synthetic emulsifiers.