Saccharum Officinarum (sugarcane extract) is a plant-derived ingredient often promoted as a natural source of glycolic acid and used as a humectant or mild exfoliant in skincare formulations. Its actual content of active alpha-hydroxy acids in cosmetic extracts is typically low and variable.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely in sensitive skin or higher-concentration AHA formulations. |
| Redness or transient erythema | Uncommon | Usually mild and resolves after discontinuation. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Possible sensitization to plant-derived components. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Rare | Associated with AHA activity; sunscreen use advised. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.