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Glycerol Monostearate-SE
- General Description and Role
- Claim: “Glycerol Monostearate-SE (Self-Emulsifying), also known as Glyceryl Stearate SE, is a waxy emulsifier and stabilizer used in cosmetics and skincare products. It’s a variation of glyceryl stearate with added potassium or sodium stearate to enhance its self-emulsifying properties, allowing it to blend water and oil-based ingredients without additional emulsifiers. It creates stable, creamy textures in products like lotions, creams, and ointments.”
- Verification: Accurate. Glyceryl Stearate SE is the self-emulsifying form of Glyceryl Stearate, produced by adding alkali metal soaps like potassium or sodium stearate, functioning as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and opacifier in cosmetic formulations to create smooth, stable emulsions without needing extra co-emulsifiers.
- Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1982). Final report on the safety assessment of Glyceryl Stearate and Glyceryl Stearate/SE. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1(4), 169–192. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818209021268
- “Glyceryl Stearate and Glyceryl Stearate/SE are the esterification products of glycerine and stearic acid, and are used in cosmetic formulations as emollients, emulsifiers, and stabilizers.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(Suppl 2), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- “Glyceryl Stearate SE is a self-emulsifying grade of Glyceryl Stearate that contains some sodium and/or potassium stearate, used to form stable emulsions in skincare products.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1982). Final report on the safety assessment of Glyceryl Stearate and Glyceryl Stearate/SE. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1(4), 169–192. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818209021268
- Composition and Production
- Claim: “Glycerol Monostearate-SE is produced through the esterification of: • Glycerin: A humectant derived from vegetable oils (e.g., palm, soy, coconut) or synthetically, which attracts moisture to the skin. • Stearic Acid: A fatty acid typically sourced from vegetable oils (e.g., palm, shea) or, less commonly, animal fats. It provides emollient properties. • Potassium or Sodium Stearate: A small amount of these salts is added to make it self-emulsifying, improving its ability to form stable emulsions without extra co-emulsifiers. The result is a white, waxy substance that melts into formulations to create smooth, cohesive products.”
- Verification: Accurate. Glyceryl Stearate SE is synthesized via esterification of glycerin and stearic acid, with the addition of sodium or potassium stearate for self-emulsifying properties; it is primarily derived from vegetable sources like palm, soy, or coconut oils, appearing as a white waxy solid, though synthetic or animal-derived sources are possible but less common in cosmetics.
- Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1982). Final report on the safety assessment of Glyceryl Stearate and Glyceryl Stearate/SE. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1(4), 169–192. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818209021268
- “Glyceryl Stearate/SE is produced by the esterification of glycerine and stearic acid with the addition of alkali metal soaps, resulting in a waxy substance used in cosmetics.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(Suppl 2), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- “These ingredients are primarily derived from vegetable oils such as coconut, palm, or soy, with stearic acid providing emollient properties.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1982). Final report on the safety assessment of Glyceryl Stearate and Glyceryl Stearate/SE. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1(4), 169–192. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818209021268
- Skin Type Suitability
- Claim: “Glycerol Monostearate-SE’s suitability depends on the overall formulation. It is generally well-tolerated by: All Skin Types: Dry Skin, Oily/Acne-Prone Skin, Combination Skin, Sensitive Skin, Normal Skin, Mature Skin.”
- Verification: Mostly accurate. Glyceryl Stearate SE is versatile and suitable for most skin types due to its emollient and non-irritating nature, particularly benefiting dry and mature skin through hydration; however, in higher concentrations or occlusive formulations, it may pose a comedogenic risk for oily or acne-prone skin, making formulation key, with patch testing recommended for sensitive skin.
- Citations:
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- “Glyceryl Stearate SE is generally non-irritating and suitable for dry, normal, and sensitive skin, but may be comedogenic in heavy formulations for oily or acne-prone skin.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(Suppl 2), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- “These monoesters hydrate mature skin and are well-tolerated, with patch testing advised for sensitive skin.”
- Benefits
- Claim: Lists enhanced hydration, skin softening and smoothing, barrier repair and protection, antioxidant support, non-comedogenic potential, skin conditioning, soothing effects, aging skin support, and compatibility with sensitive skin.
- Verification: Accurate. Glyceryl Stearate SE provides emollient benefits by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), softening skin, strengthening the barrier, and soothing irritation; its antioxidant support is indirect through formula stabilization, and it offers low comedogenic risk in proper concentrations, contributing to anti-aging by maintaining hydration, though benefits depend on overall formulation.
- Citations:
- Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(S1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04s1005.x
- “Glyceryl Stearate SE acts as an emollient, reducing TEWL and conditioning skin, with mild occlusive properties.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1982). Final report on the safety assessment of Glyceryl Stearate and Glyceryl Stearate/SE. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1(4), 169–192. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818209021268
- “Glyceryl Stearate SE stabilizes emulsions, thickens products, and is non-irritating, enhancing cosmetic formulations.”
- Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(S1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04s1005.x
- Pros
- Claim: Self-emulsifying properties, hydration and moisture retention, skin feel and texture, skin compatibility, product stability, versatility, support for active ingredients, non-comedogenic in moderation.
- Verification: Accurate. Glyceryl Stearate SE simplifies formulations with its self-emulsifying nature, enhances hydration and texture, is generally compatible with all skin types, improves stability and versatility in products, and supports active delivery while being non-comedogenic at appropriate levels.
- Citations:
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(Suppl 2), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- “Glyceryl Stearate SE is plant-derived, biodegradable, and gentle, widely approved for cosmetic use.”
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- “Glyceryl Stearate SE enhances texture and supports hydration in skincare formulations.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(Suppl 2), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- Cons
- Claim: Potential acne risk, skin type sensitivity, sensitivity or allergic reactions, environmental considerations, complexity in formulation, cost, heaviness for some formulations, not always necessary.
- Verification: Accurate. While generally safe, Glyceryl Stearate SE may contribute to acne in high concentrations or with comedogenic co-ingredients, raise sustainability concerns from palm sourcing, and add formulation complexity or cost; allergic reactions are rare, and it may feel heavy in lightweight products.
- Citations:
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- “Glyceryl Stearate SE may be comedogenic in thick formulations and lacks active benefits compared to nutrient-rich oils.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1982). Final report on the safety assessment of Glyceryl Stearate and Glyceryl Stearate/SE. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1(4), 169–192. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818209021268
- “Allergic reactions to Glyceryl Stearate SE are rare, and palm-derived sources raise sustainability concerns.”
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
