What is Glyceryl Stearate?

Glyceryl Stearate is a plant-based ingredient made from glycerine and stearic acid. It looks like white to off-white flakes that melt at 55–65°C.

The scent is mild and almost neutral. In a formula, it brings water and oil together into a creamy, stable emulsion and gives the skin a soft, smooth feeling.

Ideal for DIY creams, body lotions and conditioners. Use it as a co-emulsifier for extra stability and a fine texture.

What are the benefits of Glyceryl Stearate?

Stabilizes emulsions

Glyceryl Stearate binds water and oil together so that a cream doesn't separate. Ideal in lotions that need to stay beautifully homogeneous.

Gives a soft skin feel

As an emollient, it forms a thin caring layer on the skin. Smooth, comfortable and not sticky.

Retains moisture

The fatty acid chains work slightly occlusively and reduce evaporation. Pleasant for dry skin.

Subtly thickens formulas

The waxy structure gives a lotion just a bit more body, without feeling heavy.

Spreads smoothly

A cream with Glyceryl Stearate spreads evenly over the skin. This means you often need less oil for the same feeling.

Mild for sensitive skin

Built from glycerine and fatty acids that the skin tolerates well. Virtually odorless, so also nice in fragrance-free formulas.

How do you use Glyceryl Stearate?

Creams and lotions: Use 1–3% as co-emulsifier for stability and glide, or 3–5% for extra body. Melt in the oil phase at 60–70°C and mix with the water phase at the same temperature.

Face: Use 1–2% in the oil phase for a light, fast lotion. Combine with a primary O/W emulsifier for a stable emulsion.

Body: Use 2–5% for richer body creams. Works well with cetyl or cetearyl alcohol for extra creaminess.

Hair: Use 1–3% in conditioners for more slip and a softer feel. Combine with a cationic emulsifier like Biosmooth.

Tip: This ingredient works in the hot phase. Only add heat-sensitive ingredients below 40°C. Never use pure on the skin.

What makes Glyceryl Stearate so special?

Glyceryl Stearate is built from the same building blocks as many skin lipids: glycerine and fatty acids. This is why a product with it feels very natural and yet gives the smoothness and spreadability that you normally only know from silicones, but plant-based.