Emulsifier

Glycol Stearate

Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 18 Aug 2026

Also known as: Glyceryl Ester

Mixture of glycerin and stearic acid | Functions as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier

At a glance

May feed Fungal Acne

Addresses

Dehydration

EWG Safety Score

1 Low

What Is Glycol Stearate?

Glycol stearate is a mixture of glycerin and stearic acid used as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier. May also be used to impart a pearlescent appearance to a formula.

Clinical Evidence & References

Published Research

CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed March 2021, ePublication [https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/glycol-stearate/]
MakingCosmetics.com, Accessed March 2021, ePublication [https://www.makingcosmetics.com/PRL-GYSIP-01-125.html?lang=en_US]
Chemistry and Materials Research, 2015, page 59 []

How widely it's used

0.5%

of skincare products contain this ingredient — placing it in the top 25% of most-used ingredients.

Most common in: Cleansers Moisturisers Sunscreens

Typical concentration range: 3% to 4%

Regulatory information

Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.

Show identifiers

INCI Name: GLYCOL STEARATE
EC Number: 203-886-9
Pharmacopoeia Name: ethylenglycoli monostearas
Function: Emollient, Emulsifying, Opa CI Fying, Surfactant

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Related Ingredients

Glycine Soja Protein

A plant-derived protein that conditions skin and may help support barrier function

Glycol Distearate

Plays various roles in personal care products, including opacifying and skin-conditioning agent | May also be used as a viscosity increasing agent to enhance a formula’s texture