Ingredient Checker

Glyceryl Stearate

Common emulsifier produced by esterifying glycerol with stearic acid. Creates stable emulsions in creams and lotions while also functioning as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. Widely used and generally well-tolerated.

Rating:
2

About This Ingredient

Learn more about this ingredient and how it affects your skin.

How It Can Clog Pores

Generally safe and widely used in cosmetics without significant pore-clogging risk. The ester structure is broken down by skin enzymes and rarely causes issues even in acne-prone skin.

Where It's Found

Moisturizers, creams, lotions, foundations

Risk

LOW

Alternative

Polysorbate-20, Sorbitan Oleate, Lightweight silicones

Derived From

Glycerol and stearic acid (from vegetable or animal sources)