Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier and co-emulsifier that helps oil and water phases form stable creams, lotions, and balms. It also adds slip and a soft, cushioned skin feel.
What does Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier and co-emulsifier that helps oil and water phases form stable creams, lotions, and balms. It also adds slip and a soft, cushioned skin feel.
Is Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally low-friction, well-tolerated, and not a common restricted-list concern. Quality depends on good manufacturing controls for residual catalysts, free fatty material, and plant-oil sourcing claims.
Is Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate sustainable?
This material is commonly made from glycerin and vegetable-derived fatty feedstocks, although the exact crop source can vary by supplier. It is expected to be readily biodegradable, with the main sustainability watchpoint being traceable sourcing for palm-derived inputs when used.
Is Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when made from approved raw materials and compliant esterification processes. Its profile fits Green Chemistry reasonably well because it can use renewable feedstocks, has low persistence concerns, and performs without ethoxylation.
How does Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate work chemically?
The molecule is a nonionic ester built from a two-unit glycerol backbone and a C18 saturated fatty chain, giving it both water-compatible and oil-compatible regions. It is typically used as a primary or secondary emulsifier in the low single-digit percentage range and is stable across the mildly acidic to neutral pH range common in skin care.
Last updated 2026-05-13