Question 1

What is Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Accepted Answer

Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate is a mild emulsifier derived from an amino acid (glutamic acid) and a fatty acid (stearic acid). In a sunscreen it keeps oil and water evenly blended into a stable, smooth cream while gently conditioning the skin. Its mildness makes it popular in formulas aimed at sensitive skin.

Question 2

Is Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for the vast majority of people. It is made from benign, well-understood building blocks, an amino acid and a fatty acid, and amino-acid-based emulsifiers are prized for being gentle. Used at the low levels found in sunscreen it is non-irritating for most skin. Anyone with a specific known sensitivity can patch test first.

Question 3

Does Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate clog pores?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. It is a lightweight emulsifier used in small amounts rather than a heavy oil or wax, and it is not flagged as comedogenic in our data. Its role is to hold the formula together, so it is an unlikely pore-clogging culprit. Richer emollients and butters elsewhere in a product are more relevant if you are prone to congestion.

Question 4

Is Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate fungal-acne safe?

Accepted Answer

Mostly yes, with a minor nuance. It contains a stearoyl (fatty) part, and the malassezia yeast linked to fungal acne can use some fatty material, so the strictest fungal-acne routines may avoid it. In practice it is used in tiny emulsifier amounts, so many fungal-acne-prone people tolerate it. For everyone who is not managing fungal acne it is simply a gentle emulsifier and not a safety concern.

Question 5

Does Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate feed fungal acne (malassezia)?

Accepted Answer

It can to a small degree. Because it carries a fatty stearoyl component, the malassezia yeast behind fungal acne could use part of it, so on our flags it counts as a potential feeder. The amounts in a finished sunscreen are low, so it is a mild concern at most and one the strictest users may still choose to skip. It stays harmless for everyone who is not fungal-acne-prone.

Question 6

Is Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate vegan?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. It is built from glutamic acid (an amino acid) and stearic acid (a fatty acid), both of which are typically sourced from plant materials for cosmetic use. As an entirely synthesized emulsifier from those parts, it suits vegan and plant-leaning formulas. If strict sourcing matters to you, confirm with the specific brand.

Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate

What Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate is & what it does