Glyceryl Stearate

Natural
Synthetic
Bioengineered
Marine
Mineral
Animal-derived
Fermented

Emulsifier and surfactant

Overview

An ester of glycerin and stearic acid, used as an emulsifier, emollient, and thickening agent in cosmetic formulations.
Emulsifiers/Surfactants In skincare, Glyceryl Stearate functions as an emollient and occlusive, creating a protective barrier that significantly reduces transepidermal water loss, thereby deeply hydrating and softening the skin. It also acts as a crucial emulsifier, blending oil and water phases to stabilize formulations, improve product texture, and enhance spreadability for a smooth application.

Key Benefits

Provides skin support

Good For

Suitable for skin types:

Universal

Effective at:

Softening Moisturizing Nourishing

Safety & Cautions

Glyceryl Stearate is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, with the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel confirming its safety for topical use in cosmetics. While some animal studies showed moderate irritation, human studies with typical cosmetic concentrations (2-5%) reported no skin irritation or sensitization.

Education-first entry. This ingredient profile stands on its own — not every glossary ingredient appears in our four HARAMOON SKUs yet. Browse the full ingredient glossary or shop HARAMOON when you are ready.