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Moumoujus

GLYCOL STEARATE.

Valuable CAS 111-60-4 / OPACIFYING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Glycol Stearate is a multifunctional ester derived from stearic acid, commonly utilized for its emulsifying and skin conditioning properties. It stabilizes oil-in-water formulations, enhances product texture, and contributes to a smooth skin feel.

Summary

emulsifying thickening skin conditioning emollient opacifying pearlizing surfactant/cleansing

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functioning primarily as an emulsifier, Glycol Stearate facilitates the homogeneous blending of oil and water phases, thereby stabilizing cosmetic formulations and preventing separation. It also acts as a thickening agent, imparting a creamy texture and consistent viscosity. On the skin, it serves as an emollient and conditioning agent, improving product spreadability and absorption while leaving the skin feeling smooth and moisturized. It forms a light, permeable barrier that helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss, supporting skin hydration without creating an occlusive film. Additionally, it offers aesthetic benefits by acting as an opacifying and pearlizing agent, enhancing the visual appeal of formulations.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 2–5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Formulations containing Glycol Stearate at concentrations between 2% and 5% demonstrated no reported skin irritation or sensitization in human studies.
  2. 02 A subchronic skin painting study over 90 days, utilizing a product formulation with 3% Glycol Stearate, revealed no toxic effects both during the test period and upon necropsy.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Glycol Stearate exhibits an HLB value of 5-6, indicating its suitability for creating stable water-in-oil emulsions. It typically maintains a neutral pH within formulations. To ensure proper integration, it is recommended to melt the ingredient prior to use, given its melting point range of 55-60°C (135-140°F). While primarily oil-soluble, its amphiphilic structure enables it to effectively bridge and stabilize disparate oil and water phases. It significantly contributes to increasing product viscosity, performing optimally in formulations with lower solid content.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
5%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has consistently affirmed Glycol Stearate as safe for use in cosmetics, a conclusion reaffirmed in 2001 and 2022. The maximum reported concentration of use in cosmetics was observed at 5% in 2022, a slight reduction from 6% in 2001. Regulatory bodies, including the FDA, recognize Glycol Stearate as safe for cosmetic applications.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Glycol Stearate is a valuable ingredient for Moumoujus formulations, offering robust emulsifying, textural, and conditioning benefits with a proven low risk of irritation across all skin types.

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References

Sources