Glyceryl Stearate

Glyceryl Stearate is a cosmetic ingredient used as a skin conditioning - emollient, surfactant - emulsifying agent. It appears in about 12% of cosmetic products in our 90,000+ product dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 40 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI nameGLYCERYL STEARATE
FunctionSKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
CAS number31566-31-1
EC number250-705-4/286-490-9
Prevalence10,735 products (11.56% of dataset)
Most used inSkincare
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Scientific studies40 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches1,900

Used in

General Moisturizers 23.3%Body Lotions 8.6%Sunscreens 8.6%Face Cleansers 7.5%Eye Moisturizers 5.9%Serums 4.3%

Frequently asked

What does Glyceryl Stearate do in skincare?
Glyceryl Stearate functions as a skin conditioning - emollient, surfactant - emulsifying agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Glyceryl Stearate allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Glyceryl Stearate?
It is most commonly found in Skincare products, especially general moisturizers (23.3% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Glyceryl Stearate

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.