Skincare Ingredient
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Glycol Distearate
In Skincare: Is Glycol Distearate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Glycol distearate functions as an opacifying and skin-conditioning agent in personal care formulations.
- 02
Glycol distearate can increase viscosity, contributing to a desired texture in cosmetic products.
- 03
Glycol distearate is commonly found in hair care, bubble baths, facial cleansers, makeup, and nail products.
- 04
Glycol distearate appears as a white to cream-colored waxy solid in its original form.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Glycol Distearate
Role of Glycol Distearate
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
OPACIFYING
Cloudiness CreatorReduces transparency and adds cloudiness to products
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Opacifying ingredients make formulations less clear through light scattering. These include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, fatty alcohols, glycol stearates, and styrene/acrylates copolymer. The mechanism involves particles or crystalline structures that scatter light, reducing transmission and creating pearl-like or milky appearance. Particle size and refractive index determine degree of opacity. Used for aesthetic appeal and to mask colored ingredients.
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.
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Thickness RegulatorAdjusts product thickness and flow properties
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Viscosity controlling ingredients modify product flow characteristics through thickening or thinning. Thickeners include natural gums (xanthan, guar), synthetic polymers (carbomers, acrylates), and inorganic thickeners (silica, clays). Mechanism varies: polymer chain entanglement, hydrogen bonding networks, particle association, or swelling. Rheology modifiers create desired texture, prevent separation, control application properties, and affect sensory perception. Can produce Newtonian (constant viscosity) or non-Newtonian (shear-thinning, thixotropic) flow behavior.
Products
containing Glycol Distearate
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References
Scientific sources
CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed October 2021, ePublication
Cosmetic Ingredient Review, November 2017, pages 1-48
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glycol Distearate — common questions
What is Glycol Distearate in skincare?
Glycol distearate, glycol stearate, and glycol stearate SE are white to cream-colored waxy solids. They are mixtures of mono- and diesters formed from the reaction between ethylene glycol and stearic acid. Glycol stearate and glycol stearate SE are primarily composed of the monoester, while glycol distearate is predominantly a diester. Glycol stearate SE contains added sodium and/or potassium stearates, which contribute to its self-emulsifying properties. These ingredients are used in a variety
What does Glycol Distearate do? / Functions of Glycol Distearate?
Common functions: OPACIFYING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Glycol Distearate? / Is Glycol Distearate comedogenic?
Glycol Distearate has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Glycol Distearate is unlikely to clog pores (rating 2/5).
Is Glycol Distearate safe for skin?
Glycol 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 low hazard per cosmetic safety assessments (e.g., CIR); low irritancy/sensitization risk, may be mildly comedogenic in some acne-prone users due to fatty ester nature. The Cosmetic Ingredien
Is Glycol Distearate good for sensitive skin?
Glycol 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 Glycol Distearate in skincare?
Known considerations: Generally low hazard per cosmetic safety assessments (e.g., CIR); low irritancy/sensitization risk, may be mildly comedogenic in some acne-prone users due to fatty ester nature. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated Glycol Distearate and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics as currently practiced.