Skincare Ingredient
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Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
In Skincare: Is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Key Benefits
What Glyceryl Stearate Citrate does for your skin
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Role of Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
SKIN CONDITIONING
Skin EnhancerMaintains skin in good condition and improves its feel
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.
SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
Skin SoftenerSoftens 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 SurfactantBlends 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 Citrate
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References
Scientific sources
International Journal of Toxicology, Volume 26, Supplement 3, May 2007, page 1
www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/monoglyceryl%20monoesters.pdf
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate — common questions
What is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate in skincare?
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is a type of glyceryl diester. It’s created by reacting glycerin with fatty acids – specifically, stearic acid and citric acid. These diesters are commonly found in cosmetic formulations like moisturizers, lipsticks, and makeup products.
What does Glyceryl Stearate Citrate do? / Functions of Glyceryl Stearate Citrate?
Common functions: SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Glyceryl Stearate Citrate? / Is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate comedogenic?
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is unlikely to clog pores (rating 2/5).
Is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate safe for skin?
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is an ester commonly used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics based on Cosmetic Ingredient Revi
Is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate good for sensitive skin?
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate 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 Citrate in skincare?
Known considerations: Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is an ester commonly used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics based on Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessments, with low potential for irritation or sensitization; however, individuals with sensitive skin may experience mild reactions.