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Skincare Ingredient

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Glyceryl Stearate Se

In Skincare: Is Glyceryl Stearate Se 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

Glyceryl Stearate Se is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, with limited reports of skin irritation. It may contribute to comedogenicity in individuals with acne-prone skin, and while it is well-tolerated by most, those with sensitive skin should perform a patch test prior to regular use.

Key Benefits

What Glyceryl Stearate Se does for your skin

1 benefits
Hydration

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Glyceryl stearate SE is a derivative of glyceryl stearate that functions as an emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients in formulations. The "SE" designation indicates its self-emulsifying properties, which can contribute to a smoother texture and improved stability in skincare products. This ingredient is commonly used to create stable emulsions, such as creams and lotions.
Classifications
Emollient
Emulsifier
Cleansing Agent

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Glyceryl Stearate SE is created through the esterification of glycerin with stearic acid. Stearic acid is a fatty acid derived from animal and vegetable fats and oils. The production of Glyceryl Stearate SE involves an excess of stearic acid reacting with glycerin, followed by neutralization with potassium and/or sodium hydroxide to form the final product containing Glyceryl Stearate, potassium stearate, and/or sodium stearate.

Common Uses

Formulation in Glyceryl Stearate Se

Glyceryl Stearate SE functions as an emulsifier and lubricant in cosmetic formulations. It helps to create stable emulsions by reducing surface tension, facilitating the mixing of oil and water phases. Additionally, it provides a smoothing effect on the skin’s surface, contributing to a softer feel and potentially reducing water loss.

Role of Glyceryl Stearate Se

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

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 Se

3290 formulations
Q10 Plus Creatine Anti Wrinkle Day Cream with SPF 15
Q10 Plus Creatine Anti Wrinkle Day Cream with SPF 15
Nivea · moisturizer
Protect And Prime SPF30
Protect And Prime SPF30
Emma Hardie · sunscreen
Hyaluron Cellular Filler Day Cream SPF15
Hyaluron Cellular Filler Day Cream SPF15
Nivea · moisturizer

References

Scientific sources

[1]

CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed March 2021, ePublication

[2]

MakingCosmetics.com, January 2021, ePublication

[3]

Journal of the American College of Toxicology, July 1982, pages 169-192

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glyceryl Stearate Se — common questions

What is Glyceryl Stearate Se in skincare?

Glyceryl Stearate SE is a mixture of esterified glycerin and stearic acid. It’s produced by reacting an excess of 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 stearate and/or sodium stearate.

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

Common functions: SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.

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

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

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

Glyceryl Stearate Se has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Glyceryl Stearate Se is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, with limited reports of skin irritation. It may contribute to comedogeni

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

Glyceryl Stearate Se 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 Se in skincare?

Known considerations: Glyceryl Stearate Se is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, with limited reports of skin irritation. It may contribute to comedogenicity in individuals with acne-prone skin, and while it is well-tolerated by most, those with sensitive skin should perform a patch test prior to regular use. Additional risks: potential pore-clogging (comedogenic rating 3/5).

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