Glyceryl Stearate in cosmetics. What to expect?

If, by buying cosmetics, you are accustomed to reading the composition on the back of the packaging, for sure noticed more than once such a component as Glyceryl Stearate. In cosmetics, this ingredient has been used for a long time, it is almost indispensable for all types of products. Creams, shampoos, shower gels, many running products contain glyceryl stearate. What is this mandatory ingredient, what does it consist of and what effect does it have on the skin? Can it cause an allergy? These questions will be answered by this article.

Harmful Surfactant: Myth or Reality

Even at school during the lessons of chemistry, children learn that surface-active substances are quite harmful. This is not a myth, since those surface active substances that were common in the production of household chemicals in the last century, were produced mainly from oil. Today, manufacturers have moved away from this method of production.

This is due to the fact that, firstly, it is cheaper to produce surfactants from natural ingredients, and secondly, GOSTs and world quality standards oblige us to make products most safe for the consumer. Therefore, if you see that in a shampoo or face cream there is this or that surfactant, do not rush to return this cosmetic product to the store rack.

One of the most commonly used surfactants for today is Glyceryl Stearate. In cosmetics, hair products and even household chemicals. It seems that it is added to all products. This is not accidental, because glyceryl stearate is cheap when received, it is absolutely safe, and even has a beneficial effect on the skin.

Why do I need glycerol stearate?

Any cosmetic product in its composition is multicomponent. Take any cream or shampoo and put it into its ingredients. You will see that the usual white or transparent liquid consists of extracts from plants, decoctions, oils. Now mix all this, and what do you get? Undoubtedly, it will be a non-uniform creamy consistency.

That is why manufacturers of cosmetics and household chemicals came up with so-called emulsifiers. These compounds allow to maintain a uniform consistency of products consisting of different in density and density of substances. Without emulsifiers, it would not be possible to create anything from what modern women are used to.

Tone cream, face cream , shampoo, conditioner, make-up lotion - all these products include oils. Oil helps the skin look healthier, nourishes and moisturizes it. But try to pour a little oil in a jar of water. You will see that the oil will remain floating on the surface, since it is lighter than water.

Emulsifiers allow you to keep the usual cosmetic products attractive appearance in the form of a uniform cream or liquid. Glyceryl stearate is also an emulsifier. If manufacturers did not use glyceryl stearate (Glyceryl Stearate) in cosmetics, any cosmetic products would turn immediately into an incomprehensible, consisting of several phases, education.

How is glyceryl stearate obtained?

Glyceryl stearate is synthesized in the laboratory from glycerol and stearic acid. This product is non-toxic, harmless, and most often used in the pharmaceutical industry as an emulsifier. Its main purpose is to maintain the desired consistency of the product. In addition, without emulsifiers, substances having an oil base would break down into several phases. On the surface of the oil phase, harmful microorganisms would certainly form. Emulsifiers, and glyceryl stearate are one of them, allow the cosmetic product to store the desired appearance, besides they take care of the skin and make it softer.

Benefit

We explained what glyceryl stearate (Glyceryl Stearate) is used for in cosmetics. Reviews of pharmacists, cosmetologists and people working on the production of cosmetics, suggest that glyceryl stearate is considered a useful substance.

Glycerin has emollient properties, and Glyceryl Stearate adopted the same qualities. In cosmetics, it is used as an additional moisturizing component, which gives the skin softness. Being present in the cream, it is able to fill wrinkles and cracks on the skin, to carry moisture into the upper layer of the dermis. When glyceryl stearate is added to shampoos, after application, the hair becomes softer and more beautiful.

Glyceryl Stearate in cosmetics: harm

Can this compound be dangerous, which is often used as an ingredient in cosmetics? Glyceryl stearate is not recommended for those who are allergic to this substance. In other cases, to date, there has been no adverse effect on the skin, only benefit.

However, some recent studies suggest that glyceryl stearate with deep penetration under the dermis can push moisture onto the surface of the skin, thereby drying it. The study was carried out in this way: glyceryl stearate was applied to the dermis in pure form and in large quantities. You know, it's unlikely that you will have the opportunity to lubricate your face with plenty of glycerol stearate.

Derivatives of glyceryl stearate

One of the most commonly used varieties of this compound is Glyceryl Stearate SE. In cosmetics, this substance is also used as an emulsifier, and the letters SE mean that this compound "self emulsifies". It is available in the form of granules and is used in cosmetics consisting of water and oil. In food is not used. Has the same effect as glyceryl stearate, that is, it softens and moisturizes the skin.

Glyceryl Stearate Citrate in cosmetics is also used quite often. The word "citrate" can cause fear. And completely in vain! Such a compound is a mixture of citric acid and oils, and therefore the compound is not toxic. Unlike conventional glyceryl stearate, it gives the cosmetics a lemon flavor.