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Glyceryl Stearate
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about glyceryl stearate. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Glyceryl stearate is the ester of glycerin and plant-derived stearic acid. In ORY® products, it is an emollient and co-emulsifier that thickens creams and leaves a soft, non-greasy feel. |
Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel concluded in its 2020 amended report that monoglyceryl monoesters, including glyceryl stearate, are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- What it shows: CIR amended safety assessment.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Glyceryl stearate is made by esterifying glycerin with stearic acid from coconut, palm, or rapeseed oil. It is oil-loving (low HLB) and needs a water-loving partner, such as polysorbate 60 or a glucoside, to make oil-in-water creams. |
Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is well documented.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- What it shows: Describes chemistry.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Glyceryl stearate suits all skin types. |
Verification: Supported. CIR found it safe as used.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, glyceryl stearate thickens conditioners and styling creams and adds creamy slip. |
Verification: Supported. This is a formulation role; ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- What it shows: Review of hair cosmetics.
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
5. Benefits
Claim: Glyceryl stearate helps skin feel soft and smooth and gives creams body and stability. |
Verification: Supported. Emollients help soften skin and reduce moisture loss.
Citations:
- Lodén, M. (2003). Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(11), 771–788. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304110-00005
- What it shows: Review of emollients.
- Lodén, M. (2003). Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(11), 771–788. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304110-00005
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Glyceryl stearate is used in ORY® Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics, and in syndet and lotion bars. |
Verification: Supported. Use levels fall within the ranges CIR reviewed.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 1–5% | Creams, lotions, and cleansing creams (with a partner emulsifier). |
| Haircare | 1–4% | Conditioners, styling creams, and hair masks. |
| Handmade Soap line | 2–10% in solid bars | Syndet and lotion bars (not cold-process soap). |
| Cosmetics | 1–5% | Foundations, BB creams, and cream blush. |
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
7. Pros
Claim: A gentle, skin-friendly emulsifier with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Long history of use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
8. Cons
Claim: Glyceryl stearate needs a partner emulsifier and may be palm-derived. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Needs a partner. Will not hold an oil-in-water emulsion alone.
- Limited thickening alone. Pair with fatty alcohols.
- Sourcing. Choose certified sustainable palm or palm-free grades.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- What it shows: Chemistry.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY® Handmade Soap line: This ingredient is not used in cold-process soap. Syndet, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner bars that contain it are cosmetics under FDA rules, not soap, and list all of their ingredients. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of monoglyceryl monoesters as used in cosmetics (including glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE). International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- Lodén, M. (2003). Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(11), 771–788. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304110-00005
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
