What is Glyceryl Stearate?

A monoglyceride widely used in foods as an emulsifier is glycerol monostearate commonly referred to as GMS. 

It takes the shape of a white flaky powder that is hygroscopic, odorless, and sweet-tasting. Chemically, stearic acid is a glycerol ester.

  • Chemical Formula: C21H42O4
  • Molecular Weight: 358.57 g/mol
  • Density: 970 kg/m3
  • Melting Point: 57-65 °C (135-149 °F) (mix), 81 °C (178 °F) (1-), 73-74 °C (163-165 °F) (2-)
  • Flash Point: 230 °C (446 °F) (open cup)
  • Water Solubility: Insoluble

Uses

The following diseases, conditions, and symptoms are used to treat, monitor, prevent & boost Glyceryl Stearate:

For purposes not specified here, Glyceryl Stearate can also be used.

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How does Glyceryl Stearate work?

Glyceryl Stearate SE is a fast-penetrating emollient that creates a protective barrier on the skin, helping to maintain hydration and reduce moisture loss. Its antioxidant properties protect the skin from free radicals. In formulations, it stabilizes products, balances pH, and improves shelf-life. It prevents freezing, crust formation, and reduces greasiness in oils. Its thickening properties minimize the need for additional emulsifiers in oil-based products, creating desirable textures and enhancing product appearance.


How does the skin benefit from Glyceryl Stearate?

It serves as a lubricant when glyceryl stearate is added to the skin and gives the skin a gentle, smooth appearance while adding skin hydration. All of these advantages are due to the glycerol portion of glyceryl stearate.

Hydration

Glycerin, also called glycerol, is a natural alcohol and moisturizer that has been used for decades in skincare products. Moisturizers help to add water to the skin, thereby enhancing hydration. In studies published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, it was shown that by helping skin cells mature properly, glycerin allows the skin to look and function better. In fact, glycerin is not only a moisturizer but also an occlusive moisturizer. This implies that as it absorbs water from the air to moisturize the skin, after application, it often creates a protective or occlusive layer on the surface of the skin. This helps avoid the loss of water from the skin's upper layers. Therefore, glyceryl stearic acid keeps skin smooth.

Natural Moisture control

Glycerin is often considered compatible with all forms of skin because it has the potential to emulate what is known as the Natural Moisturizing Factor of the skin. There are some components of the Natural Moisturizing Element, such as amino acids, lactic acid, sugar, and small proteins. The components of the Natural Moisturizing Element work together with the naturally occurring lipids or oils in the skin to keep the surface of the skin safe and looking supple and hydrated. It is necessary to restore the natural moisturizing factor of the skin because it is reduced with age and even after exposure to certain environmental variables.


Glyceryl Stearate Side Effects

  • In its list of direct food additives believed to be widely accepted as safe, the US Food and Drug Administration includes glyceryl stearate (GRAS). 
  • The safety of glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE was evaluated by the Expert Panel for the Study of Cosmetic Ingredients, a body responsible for the safety evaluation of skincare and cosmetic ingredients. 
  • The Expert Panel reviewed the scientific evidence and concluded that the use of glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE in cosmetics and personal care products was healthy.

Very rare side effects are:


Important information

  • Glyceryl Stearate SE Raw Material is for external use only.
  • Consult a medical practitioner before using for medicinal purposes.
  • Pregnant and nursing women, and those with sensitive skin, should seek medical advice before use.
  • Keep out of reach of children, especially those under 7 years old.
  • Conduct a skin test before use by blending Glyceryl Stearate with 1 ml of desired oil and applying to a small, non-sensitive area.
  • Possible side effects include itching, rash, stinging, burning, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
  • Discontinue use and seek medical attention in case of allergic reaction.
  • Consult a medical provider before use to avoid potential side effects.

Precautions

Inform the doctor about the current list of drugs, counter products (e.g. vitamins, herbal supplements, etc.), allergies, pre-existing diseases, and other health problems before using Glyceryl Stearate (e.g. pregnancy, upcoming surgery, etc.). Some health conditions or health issues can make you more susceptible to the drug's side effects. Take the instructions written on the product insert as instructed by your doctor. The dose depends on your disease. If your condition continues or aggravates, tell your doctor. 


Dosage

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use this drug as soon as you find it. Skip the missed dose and restart your dosing schedule if it is close to the time of your next dose. Do not use an additional dose in order to make up for the missing dose. Try setting an alarm or asking a family member to alert you if you are frequently skipping doses. If you have missed too many doses lately, please contact your physician to suggest adjustments in your dosing schedule or a new schedule to make up for missed doses.

Overdose

Do not take more than the dosage given. Your symptoms will not be changed by taking more medication; they can instead cause poisoning or severe side effects. Please go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital or nursing home if you feel that you or someone else might have overdosed on Glyceryl Stearate. Bring with you a medication box, bottle, or mark to support doctors with the details needed. Even if you know they have the same disorder or it seems like they may have similar conditions do not give your drugs to other people. This can contribute to overdose.

For more details, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.


Glyceryl Stearate Storage

Medicines should be kept at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Unless required by the package insert, do not freeze medicines.

Unless told to do so, do not flush drugs down the toilet or spill them into the drainage. The atmosphere may be polluted by drugs discarded in this way. For more information on how to safely discard Glyceryl Stearate, please contact your pharmacist or doctor.


Glyceryl Stearate Expired

It is unlikely that taking a single dose of expired Glyceryl Stearate would cause an adverse event. However, for better advice, please speak with your primary health practitioner or pharmacist or if you feel unwell or sick. In treating your prescription conditions, expired medication can become ineffective. It is necessary not to use expired medications to be on the safe side. If you have a chronic condition that regularly needs medication such as heart failure, strokes, and life-threatening allergies, you are much better to stay in contact with your primary health care provider so that you can have a new supply of drugs that are not expired.

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Glyceryl stearate citrate

Similar to the super popular skincare ingredient glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate citrate is often used to help mix water and oils (emulsifier) and to make the skin feel nice and soft (emollient).

The key distinction between citrate glyceryl stearate and its cousin glyceryl stearate is that it also has a molecule of citric acid bound to its glycerin. This is what chemists call diacylglycerol, which is a fancy term for two acids connected together with a glycerin bridge (in this case, citric acid and stearic acid). But when it comes to cosmetics, all you need to know is that the safe, tried, and tested emulsifiers are both glyceryl stearate citrate and glyceryl stearate. In formulations with water-based and oil-based ingredients, expect to see them (think moisturizers and lotions).


Glyceryl Stearate vs Glyceryl Stearate Citrate

Glyceryl Stearate Glyceryl stearate citrate
Formula: C21H42O4 Molecular Formula: C27H48O10
Molecular Weight 1704.7 g/mol Molecular Weight: 532.7 g/mol
Used as a moisturizer Used as a stabilizing ingredient in cosmetics.
For all skin types For all skin types

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Glyceryl stearate?

A monoglyceride widely used in foods as an emulsifier is glycerol monostearate commonly referred to as GMS. It takes the shape of a white flaky powder that is hygroscopic, odorless, and sweet-tasting. Chemically, stearic acid is a glycerol ester.

2. Is Glyceryl stearate safe for the skin?

Glyceryl Stearate is made from stearic acid, a fatty acid that is derived from animal and vegetable fats and oils, by reacting with glycerin. Evaluating the scientific evidence, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that the use of Glyceryl Stearate was safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.

3. Is Glyceryl stearate good for skin?

By forming a film on the skin's surface, Glyceryl stearate slows down the transepidermal water loss from the skin. This helps to maintain the balance of moisture required for healthy skin and lubricates the surface of the skin to give it a soft and smooth appearance.

4. Is Glyceryl stearate bad for hair?

In particular, glyceryl stearate helps give them the creamy smooth feeling we enjoy curling and softens our hair for hair products. Glyceryl stearate helps to form a protective hair barrier to prevent loss of moisture and also to combat free hair damage.

5. What is glyceryl stearate and PEG 100 stearate?

Glyceryl stearate and PEG 100 stearate are commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products as emulsifiers. They help blend water-based and oil-based ingredients, ensuring a smooth and stable formulation.

6. What are the benefits of glyceryl monostearate in skincare?

Glyceryl monostearate, also known as glycerol monostearate, is used in skincare products for its emollient properties. It helps soften and moisturize the skin, making it smoother and more supple.

7. How is glyceryl monostearate beneficial for dry skin?

Glyceryl monostearate works effectively in skincare formulations designed for dry skin. It acts as a hydrating agent, improving moisture retention and preventing dryness.

8. What are the uses of glyceryl monostearate in pharmaceutical products?

Glyceryl monostearate is utilized in pharmaceuticals as a lubricant and emulsifier. It helps in the formulation of tablets and capsules, ensuring uniformity and stability.


Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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