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Skincare Ingredient

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Glyceryl Stearate

In Skincare: Is Glyceryl Stearate 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 as an emulsifier (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk but can be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone skin in some formulations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Glyceryl Stearate is safe in the present practices of use, and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns it a moderate hazard score due to potential for skin irritation and comedogenic effects.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Glyceryl stearate is a naturally occurring component found in the human body.

  • 02

    In its unrefined state, glyceryl stearate appears as a white or cream-colored wax-like solid.

  • 03

    Glyceryl stearate serves multiple purposes in skincare formulations, acting as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier.

  • 04

    The CIR Expert Panel considers glyceryl stearate safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations ranging from 1% to 10%.

Key Benefits

What Glyceryl Stearate does for your skin

1 benefits
Hydration

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Glyceryl stearate is a mixture of glycerin and stearic acid, commonly derived from plant sources like olive or coconut oil. This ingredient functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and surfactant in skincare formulations, helping to bind ingredients together and create stable emulsions. It provides moisturizing benefits by softening skin and forming a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss, and is considered safe for cosmetic use at concentrations of 1–10% based on expert review.
Classifications
Emollient
Emulsifier
Cleansing Agent

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Glyceryl stearate is produced through the esterification reaction between glycerin and stearic acid, a fatty acid derived from animal or vegetable fats and oils. Glyceryl stearate SE is created by reacting excess stearic acid with glycerin, followed by a reaction with potassium and/or sodium hydroxide. This process results in a product containing glyceryl stearate, along with potassium and/or sodium stearates. Glyceryl stearate functions as a skin conditioning agent (emollient) and an emulsifying agent, while glyceryl stearate SE primarily functions as a surfactant – an emulsifier – and can form stable emulsions without requiring additional emulsifiers.

Common Uses

Formulation in Glyceryl Stearate

Glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE are used in cosmetics to provide a smooth feel on the skin. They help reduce water loss by creating a protective barrier and aid in forming stable emulsions within formulations, reducing surface tension. Glyceryl stearate also helps to minimize the oiliness of cosmetic products.

Role of Glyceryl Stearate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

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.

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Emulsifying Surfactant

Blends oil and water phases into stable mixtures

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Emulsifying surfactants enable creation of stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions by positioning at oil-water interface, reducing interfacial tension. HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) determines emulsion type: HLB 3-6 for W/O, HLB 8-18 for O/W emulsions. Examples include polysorbate 80, ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate. Mechanism involves forming interfacial film preventing droplet coalescence. Often used in combinations with co-emulsifiers (fatty alcohols) creating lamellar structures for enhanced stability.

Products

containing Glyceryl Stearate

16948 formulations
Olive Real Cleansing Foam
Olive Real Cleansing Foam
innisfree · cleanser
Volume Million Lashes
Volume Million Lashes
L'Oreal · makeup
Vitamin E Moisture-Protect Emulsion SPF30
Vitamin E Moisture-Protect Emulsion SPF30
The Body Shop · moisturizer
Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Eye
Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Eye
Lancôme · eye-lip-care
Organic Day Cream
Organic Day Cream
Botanics · moisturizer
UV Face Q10 Anti-age Sun Cream SPF 50
UV Face Q10 Anti-age Sun Cream SPF 50
Nivea · sunscreen
Smoothie Star Exfoliating Breakfast Body Scrub
Smoothie Star Exfoliating Breakfast Body Scrub
Soap & Glory · body-skincare
Cocoa Butter Hand & Body Lotion
Cocoa Butter Hand & Body Lotion
Queen Helene · body-skincare
Soothing Foam Cleanser - Cica & Sunflower
Soothing Foam Cleanser - Cica & Sunflower
Watsons · cleanser
UV Face Anti-Age & Anti-Pigment Sun Cream SPF50
UV Face Anti-Age & Anti-Pigment Sun Cream SPF50
Nivea · sunscreen
See all products with Glyceryl Stearate

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Cosmeticsinfo.org, Accessed November 2021, ePublication

[2]

Drugs in Context, April 2018, pages 1-14

[3]

International Journal of Toxicology, May 2007, pages 1–30

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glyceryl Stearate — common questions

What is Glyceryl Stearate in skincare?

Glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE are esters formed by the reaction of glycerin with stearic acid. Glyceryl stearate is a white or cream-colored solid, while glyceryl stearate SE contains additional potassium and/or sodium stearates – a “self-emulsifying” form.

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

Common functions: SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.

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

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

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

Glyceryl Stearate 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 as an emulsifier (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk but can be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone skin in some formulations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Exp

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

Glyceryl Stearate 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 Stearate in skincare?

Known considerations: Generally considered safe as an emulsifier (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk but can be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone skin in some formulations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Glyceryl Stearate is safe in the present practices of use, and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns it a moderate hazard score due to potential for skin irritation and comedogenic effects. Additional risks: potential pore-clogging (comedogenic rating 3/5).

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