Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Glutamic Acid
Gentle cleansing agent with emulsifying properties | Made from amino acid glutamic acid
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
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What Is Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate?
Sodium stearoyl glutamate is a synthetic or animal-derived ingredient that is added to cosmetics to condition skin or work as an emulsifier, keeping oil-and-water formulas blended.
In higher amounts, it works as a surfactant, typically with other cleansing agents; however, it used more often for its skin-softening and emulsifying properties.
Chemically, sodium stearoyl glutamate belongs to the amino acid group since the glutamate portion (not to be confused with the protein gluten) comes from the amino acid known as glutamic acid, which enhances skin hydration. The sodium portion makes it an amino acid salt, and it as well as similar ingredients in this amino acid group are considered non-irritating.
Usage levels of sodium stearoyl glutamate in cosmetics range from 0.03–2%, with amounts above 1% more likely to see use in leave-on products.
This ingredient has been deemed safe as used in cosmetics; however, there’s one case report of a person having an irritant contact dermatitis to a leave-on product that contained a 1% amount of sodium stearoyl glutamate. It wasn’t clear if the reaction may have been due to this ingredient being combined with another surfactant/preservative, plus the product in question contained fragrance compounds known to provoke irritation.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Contact Dermatitis, November 2022, pages 453–454 [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9796517/]
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International Journal of Toxicology, 2017, pages 17S-56S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581816686048]
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Cosmetics, July 2014, pages 159-170 [https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/1/3/159]
From the Clinic
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Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
A polymer that stabilises formulations and helps control texture in skincare products
Sodium PPG-16/PEG-2 Lauryl Ether Sulfate
A synthetic surfactant that cleanses and helps formulations blend together
Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate
A modified starch that stabilises formulations and absorbs excess moisture
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Stabilises the water phase of formulas that contain hydrating ingredients | Works via its interaction with proteins and starches, where it can also help modify a product’s texture
Sodium Surfactin
A naturally-derived surfactant that cleanses and stabilises formulations
Sodium Tamanuseedate
A multifunctional cleansing and stabilising agent used across skincare formulations
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