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| Catalog Number | CI-HC-0216 |
| Product Name | Glyceryl Stearate |
| CAS | 31566-31-1 |
| Structure |  |
| Description | Glyceryl stearate is a common ingredient used in many personal care and cosmetic products as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It is a combination of glycerin (a humectant) and stearic acid (a natural fatty acid that is commonly found in animal and vegetable fats). Glyceryl stearate functions as a surfactant, which means that it helps to reduce the surface tension between two substances, allowing them to be mixed together more easily. This makes it an effective ingredient for emulsifying oil and water-based ingredients in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products, including lotions, creams, and makeup. |
| Appearance | white or cream-colored waxy solid |
| Application | 1. Skin conditioning agent: Glyceryl stearate is commonly utilized in cosmetics and personal care products as a skin conditioning agent. It enables the products to glide smoothly on the skin and helps to keep it smooth, soft, and hydrated. 2. Emulsifying agent: Glyceryl stearate is an excellent emulsifying agent, i.e. it is capable of mixing oil and water-based ingredients, which is crucial for many personal care and cosmetic products such as lotions, creams, and moisturizers. 3. Surfactant: Glyceryl stearate can act as a surfactant, a substance that reduces the surface tension of liquids and allows them to spread evenly over a surface. This quality makes it useful in many cleaning and household products. 4. Thickener: Glyceryl stearate can be used as a thickener for products that require a more substantial or thicker consistency, like creams, lotions, and hair conditioners. 5. Stabilizer: Glyceryl stearate also acts as a stabilizer in cosmetic formulations, helping to prevent ingredients from separating or settling at the bottom. It thus enhances the product's overall consistency and shelf life. 6. Lipid replenisher: As a natural emollient, glyceryl stearate can help replace the missing lipids in the skin barrier, keeping the skin's natural moisture intact. This property makes it an essential ingredient in many skin care products. |
| Features And Benefits | 1. Helps to keep the skin moisturized 2. Acts as a lubricant, improving the texture of the product 3. Helps to stabilize formulas and keep ingredients from separating 4. Helps to prevent water loss from the skin, keeping it hydrated 5. Enhances the absorption of other ingredients into the skin 6. Acts as an emulsifier, allowing for oil and water to mix in a product. |
Glyceryl Stearate, a plant-derived ingredient, serves predominantly as an emulsifier in a variety of formulations. Sourced sustainably from raw materials such as palm oil, coconut oil, or olive oil, this monoester of stearic acid and glycerin is typically found in the form of white flakes, which dissolve readily in oils, fats, and waxes, while remaining insoluble in water. With an HLB value of 3.6, Glyceryl Stearate functions effectively as a co-emulsifier alongside diverse emulsifiers, whether amphoteric, anionic, or cationic, supporting both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions. In personal care applications, it enhances the consistency, texture, and sensory appeal of products such as creams, lotions, and sunscreens. Additionally, it acts as a solubilizer, permitting control over viscosity or hardness in formulations. Recognized as safe for food use, Glyceryl Stearate is also used as a binder in products like lipsticks and balms, and it functions as an emollient, thickener, and opacifier in various personal care and pharmaceutical products.
What is Glyceryl Stearate, and how is it derived?
Glyceryl Stearate, also known as glyceryl monostearate, is a monoester of stearic acid and glycerin. It is a plant-derived ingredient, obtained from sustainable raw materials, primarily from palm oil, coconut oil, or olive oil, depending on the demand from manufacturers. It appears as white flakes and is soluble in fats, oils, and waxes, but insoluble in water.
What are the primary applications of Glyceryl Stearate in personal care products?
Glyceryl Stearate is widely used as a primary emulsifier in formulations for skincare applications, such as lotions and creams. It helps to modify viscosity and produce stable emulsions. Additionally, it acts as a co-emulsifier when combined with other emulsifying agents. Its emulsion-stabilizing properties make it an ideal ingredient for improving the consistency, texture, and sensory profile of skincare products. It is also employed as an emollient, thickener, and opacifier in products like deodorants, hair care items, and sunscreens.
Can Glyceryl Stearate be used in food products?
Yes, Glyceryl Stearate is listed in the Food Chemical Codex (FCC) and is recognized as a safe, food-grade ingredient. This approval allows it to be used in food formulations as an emulsifier or stabilizer, similar to its applications in cosmetic and personal care formulations.
How does Glyceryl Stearate function in formulations?
Glyceryl Stearate serves as a potent emulsifier with an HLB value of 3.6, suitable for forming oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. It is versatile as a universal co-emulsifier, compatible with amphoteric, anionic, or cationic emulsifiers. It also works well with surfactants in cleansing products to enhance texture and consistency. Its capability to control viscosity or hardness makes it effective as a solubilizer for oils, waxes, and natural butters in various formulations.
Are there any specific formulation benefits of using Glyceryl Stearate?
Glyceryl Stearate is valued for its multifunctionality. It acts not only as a primary emulsifier but also as a binder in waxy formulations such as lipsticks and balms. Its role as an emollient helps to hydrate and soften the skin, enhancing the moisturizing effect of creams and lotions. It also plays a part as a thickener and opacifier, contributing to the desirable appearance and texture of personal care products. Additionally, in pharmaceuticals, it can be used in topical creams and ointments for its stability and safety profile.
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