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Skincare Ingredient

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Glyceryl Distearate

In Skincare: Is Glyceryl Distearate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
3/5 — Moderate risk
Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

Generally considered safe (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk. Glyceryl distearate has limited safety data available, and while it is not expected to pose significant concerns for most users, its comedogenicity rating of 3 suggests it may contribute to pore-clogging in some individuals.

Key Benefits

What Glyceryl Distearate does for your skin

1 benefits
Hydration

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Glyceryl distearate is an emollient and thickening agent formed from glycerin and stearic acid. It helps to soften skin and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations. This ingredient can be derived from plant or animal sources, or produced synthetically.
Classifications
Emollient

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Glyceryl distearate is created through a chemical process involving the reaction of glycerin with fatty acids, typically derived from refined vegetable oils. This process yields a mixture of diglycerides where the fatty acids are attached to either the first and third, or the first and second carbon atoms of the glycerin molecule. The specific fatty acids used determine the characteristics of the resulting glyceryl diester, such as Glyceryl Dilaurate (from lauric acid) or Glyceryl Distearate (from stearic acid).

Common Uses

Formulation in Glyceryl Distearate

Glyceryl distearate functions as an emollient and lubricant in cosmetic products. It creates a smooth, soft feel on the skin’s surface by forming a protective layer that reduces friction.

Role of Glyceryl Distearate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

ANTISTATIC

Static Eliminator

Reduces static electricity and flyaway hair

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Antistatic agents neutralize electrostatic charges through cationic surfactants (quaternary ammonium compounds like behentrimonium chloride) or conductive polymers that increase surface conductivity to dissipate charge or attract moisture. The mechanism involves forming a conductive film on fiber surfaces, neutralizing charge buildup. Particularly effective on damaged hair with raised cuticles.

SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Skin Softener

Softens and smooths skin by filling gaps between cells

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Emollient ingredients create smooth, soft skin by filling spaces between corneocytes in stratum corneum. These include esters (isopropyl palmitate), oils (jojoba, argan), fatty alcohols, and silicones. The mechanism involves spreading on skin surface, filling microscopic irregularities, and creating lubricious film. Effects are immediate tactile improvement and visual smoothing. Emolliency measured by spreading coefficient and skin feel assessments.

Products

containing Glyceryl Distearate

85 formulations
The Moon Dream
The Moon Dream
Avatara · moisturizer
Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser
Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser
Kate Somerville · cleanser
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser
Kiehl's · cleanser
Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glyceryl Distearate — common questions

What is Glyceryl Distearate in skincare?

Glyceryl distearate is a type of ester derived from glycerin and fatty acids. Specifically, it’s a group of related ingredients commonly referred to as Glyceryl Diesters. These diesters are produced by reacting glycerin (a simple alcohol with three carbon atoms) with fatty acids, such as stearic acid. The resulting molecules are used in a variety of cosmetic formulations including moisturizers, lipsticks, and makeup products.

What does Glyceryl Distearate do? / Functions of Glyceryl Distearate?

Common functions: ANTISTATIC, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT.

What is the comedogenic rating of Glyceryl Distearate? / Is Glyceryl Distearate comedogenic?
3 3/5 — Moderate risk

Glyceryl Distearate has a comedogenic rating of 3 out of 5. A rating of 3 means it has moderate comedogenic potential.

Does it clog pores?
May Clog Pores for Some

Glyceryl Distearate has a moderate comedogenic rating of 3/5.

Is Glyceryl Distearate safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Glyceryl Distearate has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally considered safe (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk. Glyceryl distearate has limited safety data available, and while it is not expected to pose significant concerns for most users, its

Is Glyceryl Distearate good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Glyceryl Distearate has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Glyceryl Distearate in skincare?

Known considerations: Generally considered safe (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk. Glyceryl distearate has limited safety data available, and while it is not expected to pose significant concerns for most users, its comedogenicity rating of 3 suggests it may contribute to pore-clogging in some individuals. Additional risks: potential pore-clogging (comedogenic rating 3/5).

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