What is Glyceryl Stearate and what does it do in products?

June 14, 2024

EU and Canada Approved – YES
Plant-based – Yes – vegetable origin (no PEG)
Skin Irritant – Non-irritant
Environment Hazard – no data available
Biodegradable – Readily
CAS – 31566-31-1

What is Glyceryl Stearate

Glyceryl stearate is an ingredient commonly used in hair and skincare products as an emollient and emulsifier. It is derived from a combination of glycerin (a natural alcohol) and stearic acid (a fatty acid usually derived from plant sources like coconut or palm oil). Glyceryl stearate helps to stabilize and thicken formulations, allowing oil and water-based ingredients to mix.

Why do we use Glyceryl Stearate
We use glyceryl stearate in hair and skincare products because it offers several benefits. It helps to moisturize and soften the skin, acts as a lubricant, and improves the spreadability and texture of cosmetic formulations. In hair care products, it can provide conditioning and detangling effects.

Is Glyceryl Stearate safe to use? Is it nontoxic?
Glyceryl stearate— when used in cosmetic products within the recommended concentrations— is generally considered to be non-toxic, safe, and biodegradable.

In Summary

Rustic Strength uses glyceryl stearate in our lotions and conditioners to help with moisturization and soften the skin, act as a lubricant, and improve the spreadability and texture of cosmetic formulations. In hair care products, it can provide conditioning and detangling effects. It is widely accepted material in cosmetics and food. glyceryl stearate is readily biodegradable with little to no toxicities.

If you have any questions regarding this or any other ingredients we use feel free to reach out to our email: customercare@rusticstrength.com We would be more than happy to answer your questions.

We invite you to do your own research!

Scientific journals and articles are the foundation of evidence-based decisions at Rustic Strength. Blogs can provide helpful information. However, if it can not cite scientific articles, its claims stand on little.

EPA Safe Ingredient - https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/safer-ingredients#scil

EWG® Score = https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/706311-STEARIC_ACID/

EU - https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.000.285

Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredient-hotlist-prohibited-restricted-ingredients/hotlist.html

Plant-based - SDS and manufacturers statement on file

Skin Irritant - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3109/10915818709098563

Environment Safe - https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Stearic-Acid#section=Toxicity

Biodegradable - https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/14937/5/3/2#