Ingredient glossary / Emulsifier
Glyceryl stearate
On the label: Glyceryl Stearate · Emulsifier
What it is
An ester of glycerin and stearic acid; the workhorse emulsifier of lotions and creams.
Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers hold oil and water together so a cream stays a cream.
Wikidata: Chemical compound. Q72501372 →
In the research
24 PubMed papers mention it with skin, cosmetics or hair; the three most recent:
- Re-Review Summary of Glyceryl Monoesters: Glyceryl Collagenate, Glyceryl Sesquioleate, Glyceryl/Sorbitol Oleate/Hydroxystearate, Glyceryl Stearate/Maleate, and Glyceryl Thiopropion · International journal of toxicology, 2026
- Re-Review Summary of Glyceryl Monoesters: Glyceryl Isostearates and Glyceryl Stearate/Acetate-With Use · International journal of toxicology, 2026
- Evaluating the Efficacy of Sunscreen Formulas in Reducing UV Filter Permeation Into the Stratum Corneum via In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectroscopy: Insights and Applications for Pract · Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine, 2026
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on cells or mice says little about a cream on a face.
Products whose label lists it
5 on the siteMatched from the ingredient list the supplier printed; the position in the list (first or thirtieth) is on each product page.
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Made in the USAOther emulsifiers
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