GlycerylStearate ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier, emollient, and consistency builder used to stabilize oil-in-water creams and lotions. It helps oils disperse evenly while giving formulas a smoother, thicker feel.
What does GlycerylStearate do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier, emollient, and consistency builder used to stabilize oil-in-water creams and lotions. It helps oils disperse evenly while giving formulas a smoother, thicker feel.
Is GlycerylStearate clean?
It is generally well tolerated, not a common allergen, and has little clean-standard friction when made with acceptable feedstocks and processing. Sensitivity is uncommon, though heavy or waxy formulas can feel occlusive for some acne-prone users.
Is GlycerylStearate sustainable?
This material is commonly derived from vegetable oils, with palm, rapeseed, soy, or other lipid sources possible. It is readily biodegradable, and the main sustainability question is traceable sourcing when palm-derived inputs are used.
Is GlycerylStearate COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulas when the feedstocks and manufacturing route meet the standard. From a Green Chemistry view, it aligns well when made from renewable lipid inputs through straightforward esterification and it has good biodegradability.
How does GlycerylStearate work chemically?
The molecule is a fatty monoester built from a three-carbon polyol and an 18-carbon saturated fatty acid, and commercial grades may contain related ester fractions that affect melting point and emulsifying strength. Typical use is about 1 to 5% in emulsions, often heated into the oil phase around 60 to 75°C, with good stability across the mildly acidic to neutral pH range used in skin care.
Last updated 2026-08-29