This invention relates to certain sugar esters of phytosterols of formula (I). These esters are useful for topical application, and for the treatment of skin condition, including age spots, acne, loss of cellular antioxidants, collagen loss, loss of skin pliability, loss of skin suppleness, skin wrinkles including fine lines, oxidation, damage from radiation, malfunction of matrix metalloproteases, malfunction of tyrosinases, damage from free radicals, damage from UV, dry skin, xerosis, ichthyosis, dandruff, brownish spots, keratoses, melasma, lentigines, liver spots, pigmented spots, dark circles under the eyes, skin pigmentation including darkened skin, blemishes, oily skin, warts, eczema, pruritic skin, psoriasis, inflammatory dermatoses, topical inflammation, disturbed keratinization, skin changes associated with aging, nail or skin requiring cleansers, conditioning or treatment, and hair or scalp requiring shampooing or conditioning, and combinations thereof; ##STR00001## Wherein, n=0, 1, 2, or 3; and R=H, --CH.sub.2OH, --CH(OH)--CH.sub.2OH, --CH(OH)--CH(OH)--CH.sub.2OH; and R.sup.1=Substituent selected from a sapogenin, steroid, or terpenoid.