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Comprehensive Cosmetic Industry Ingredient Guide

THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

THE INGRIDIENT BELOW IS NOT USED IN MITOSKIN FORMULATION UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

Ingredient
Glyceryl Stearate

Glyceryl Stearate

Summary

Glyceryl Stearate is a versatile cosmetic ingredient that functions as an emulsifier, emollient, and thickener. It is derived from natural sources and is commonly used in a variety of personal care products, including lotions, creams, and makeup. Glyceryl Stearate helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations, while also providing moisturizing benefits to the skin. Its mild nature makes it suitable for use in sensitive skin formulations. Overall, Glyceryl Stearate is a valuable ingredient in the cosmetic industry, offering multiple benefits for both formulators and consumers.

INCI Name and Common References

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients name: Glyceryl Stearate Common terms: None Nicknames: None

Function

Glyceryl Stearate is a common ingredient in cosmetic formulations that acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients together, creating a smooth and consistent texture. It also helps to improve the spreadability and absorption of products, making them easier to apply and more effective. Additionally, Glyceryl Stearate can act as a moisturizer, helping to hydrate and soften the skin. Overall, this ingredient plays a crucial role in creating high-quality, effective cosmetic products.

Science

Glyceryl stearate is a compound that is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It is a combination of glycerin and stearic acid, which are both fatty acids. The glycerin portion of the molecule is hydrophilic, meaning it is attracted to water, while the stearic acid portion is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. This unique combination of properties allows glyceryl stearate to act as a surfactant, helping to mix oil and water-based ingredients together and keep them from separating. Additionally, the hydrophobic nature of the stearic acid portion of the molecule allows it to form a protective barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and prevent dehydration. Overall, the physical properties of glyceryl stearate make it an effective ingredient in many cosmetic and personal care products.

Benefits

1. Moisturizing: Glyceryl Stearate helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. 2. Emulsifying: This ingredient is an effective emulsifier, which means it helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients together in skincare products. 3. Non-irritating: Glyceryl Stearate is a gentle ingredient that is unlikely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. 4. Improves skin texture: Regular use of skincare products containing Glyceryl Stearate can help to improve the texture of the skin, making it smoother and more even. 5. Enhances product stability: This ingredient helps to stabilize skincare products, ensuring that they remain effective and safe to use over time. 6. Increases absorption: Glyceryl Stearate can help to increase the absorption of other active ingredients in skincare products, making them more effective.

Negatives

Glyceryl Stearate is a common ingredient in many cosmetic and personal care products. It is a combination of glycerin and stearic acid, which helps to moisturize and soften the skin. While it is generally considered safe for use, there are some potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions that should be considered. One possible side effect of Glyceryl Stearate is skin irritation. This can occur if the ingredient is used in high concentrations or if the individual has a sensitivity to it. Symptoms of skin irritation may include redness, itching, and swelling. Another potential sensitivity to Glyceryl Stearate is an allergic reaction. This is rare, but it can occur in individuals who are allergic to glycerin or stearic acid. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. Glyceryl Stearate may also interact with other ingredients in a product. For example, it may reduce the effectiveness of certain preservatives or antimicrobial agents. This can lead to the growth of bacteria or other microorganisms in the product, which can be harmful to the skin. Overall, Glyceryl Stearate is a safe and effective ingredient for use in cosmetic and personal care products. However, individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should be cautious when using products that contain this ingredient. It is also important to be aware of any potential interactions with other ingredients in a product to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

Source

Glyceryl Stearate is a naturally derived ingredient that is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. It is derived from glycerin and stearic acid, which are both natural substances found in plants and animals. The processing pathway for Glyceryl Stearate involves the esterification of glycerin and stearic acid. This process involves heating the two substances together in the presence of a catalyst, which causes them to react and form the ester bond that creates Glyceryl Stearate. Once the Glyceryl Stearate is formed, it is typically purified and refined to remove any impurities or byproducts from the esterification process. The final product is a white, waxy substance that is used in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products, including lotions, creams, and makeup.

Safety

Glyceryl Stearate has a low hazard rating of 1-2 on the EWG Skin Deep database, indicating that it is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. Other sources, such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, have also evaluated Glyceryl Stearate and determined that it is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%. Overall, Glyceryl Stearate has a good safety rating and is widely used in a variety of personal care products.

Sustainability

Glyceryl Stearate is a common ingredient used in many personal care and cosmetic products, including lotions, creams, and makeup. It is a compound made from glycerin and stearic acid, which are both derived from natural sources such as vegetable oils. In terms of its environmental impact, glyceryl stearate is generally considered to be a safe and eco-friendly ingredient. It is biodegradable and does not accumulate in the environment, which means it does not pose a threat to wildlife or ecosystems. Additionally, it is not known to be harmful to aquatic life or to contribute to water pollution. When it comes to ethical sourcing practices, glyceryl stearate is typically derived from sustainable sources such as palm oil or coconut oil. However, there are concerns about the environmental and social impacts of palm oil production, which has been linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and human rights abuses. As a result, many companies are now sourcing their glyceryl stearate from certified sustainable palm oil sources or using alternative ingredients. Overall, glyceryl stearate is a relatively safe and environmentally friendly ingredient that is commonly used in personal care and cosmetic products. However, it is important for companies to ensure that they are sourcing it from sustainable and ethical sources to minimize its impact on the environment and communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, glyceryl stearate is a versatile ingredient commonly used in personal care products due to its emulsifying and moisturizing properties. It is derived from natural sources such as vegetable oils and is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, some studies suggest that it may have negative effects on the environment and aquatic life. Overall, glyceryl stearate offers numerous benefits for the skin and hair, but it is important to consider its sustainability and potential environmental impact when formulating products.

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