Researchers from Chulabhorn Royal Academy demonstrated that sucralose enhances keratinocyte proliferation, promotes wound closure, and reduces UV-induced cell death via the PKA/AMPK/SIRT-1/ERK signaling pathway.  

In lab-grown skin cells, sucralose helped wounds heal faster, with stronger effects at higher doses. It also boosted cell growth and reduced damage from UVB light. These benefits disappeared when certain key cell signaling pathways were blocked, suggesting sucralose works through specific biological mechanisms.  

The authors propose that sucralose may act via activation of the sweet taste receptor T1R3, which has been linked to tissue repair signaling cascades. However, they caution that findings are limited to cell models. The study lacks data from primary human keratinocytes, in vivo models, or clinical trials. Given sucralose’s poor oral bioavailability, the authors recommend exploring topical delivery systems and evaluating safety in future preclinical studies.  

While preliminary, this research opens the door to potential dermatological applications of a compound traditionally associated with food, though clinical relevance remains unproven.