Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

GLYCERYL STEARATE.

Valuable CAS 31566-31-1 / SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Glyceryl Stearate is a versatile fatty acid ester, renowned for its dual functionality as an emollient and emulsifier in precision skincare. It significantly improves skin smoothness and hydration while providing crucial stability and enhancing the texture of cosmetic formulations.

Summary

Emollient Emulsifier Skin-conditioning agent Viscosity-increasing agent Stabilizer Lubricant Antioxidant

Science

Mechanism of Action

Glyceryl Stearate acts as a lubricant on the skin's surface, bestowing a remarkably soft and smooth finish. It creates a protective barrier, effectively minimizing trans-epidermal water loss and thus maintaining optimal skin hydration. As a fast-penetrating emollient, it softens and smooths the skin by expertly filling microscopic gaps between skin cells, contributing to a deeply nourished feel. Furthermore, it functions as a highly effective emulsifier, proficiently blending and stabilizing immiscible oil and water components within cosmetic formulations. It can also enhance the absorption of other active ingredients by improving skin permeability and exhibits antioxidant qualities that help protect the skin against free radical damage.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–15%
Optimal

For optimal emollient and emulsifying performance in leave-on creams and lotions, concentrations typically range from 1% to 10%, with 1-5% frequently used for stable emulsions and up to 10% for richer textures.

Key findings

  1. 01 Studies show Glyceryl Stearate achieves smooth and stable emulsions in creams and lotions at 1-5%.
  2. 02 It improves consistency and efficacy in hair conditioners and styling products at 1-3%.
  3. 03 In waterless, oil-based products such as balms and salves, it effectively serves as a sole thickener for silky-smooth consistency at 1-5%.
  4. 04 It stabilizes UV filters and other ingredients in sunscreen formulations within a 1-5% concentration.
  5. 05 Human skin irritation and sensitization potential tests confirm Glyceryl Stearate to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating at concentrations up to 20%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Glyceryl Stearate is critical for emulsion stability, effectively preventing the separation of oil and water phases. It enhances the viscosity and contributes to a luxurious tactile feel in formulations. Its presence can extend product shelf life by preventing freezing and the formation of surface crusts. It also aids in balancing the product's pH, which is essential for maintaining emulsion integrity. For incorporation, it is typically melted into the oil phase at approximately 60ºC (140ºF).

Synergies

  • Enhances the absorption of other active ingredients by improving skin permeability.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
17%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has consistently reaffirmed Glyceryl Stearate and Glyceryl Stearate SE as safe for topical application. While the maximum reported use concentration is 17% in leave-on formulations (specifically deodorants), human irritation and sensitization tests have demonstrated it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing at concentrations up to 20%. Furthermore, its classification as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for direct food use underscores its high safety profile.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Glyceryl Stearate is a valuable, highly versatile, and well-tolerated ingredient that fundamentally enhances both the tactile experience and the formulation stability of a broad spectrum of skincare products, making it suitable for all skin types.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…