Glyceryl Stearate

Glyceryl Stearate INCI: Glyceryl Stearate.

This ingredient serves several functions in skin care products. It is an emollient as well as a surfactant. It is also an excellent emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer.  This product is often used with other emulsifiers when adding to oil-in-water or water-in-oil preparations. 

As it has been shown to assist with moisture retention it is often added to hair for it’s anti-static qualities. Also added to skin preparations where is aids softening and smoothing of the skin.

Typical use: 1 – 3% in creams and lotions.

Glyceryl stearate functions as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier in skin care products. Its emulsifying properties are highly versatile, making it a valuable and gentle addition to several types of emulsions, such as oil-in-water or water-in-oil, where it helps support the benefits of skin-replenishing ingredients such as ceramides and fatty acids. Its moisturising properties help skin look and feel softer and smoother. It also forms a barrier on skin, helping prevent water loss. In addition, glyceryl stearate is used as a food additive. The Cosmetics Ingredient Review Panel has found glyceryl stearate to be safe within its typical usage levels of 1–10%. Studies have also shown it to be non-sensitizing, and plant-derived glyceryl stearate is allowed for use in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe.