Rate My SPF

Glyceryl Stearate SE

What Glyceryl Stearate SE is & what it does

A self-emulsifying form of glyceryl stearate that both emulsifies and thickens, giving creams a rich, stable texture. It also conditions the skin surface.

What is Glyceryl Stearate SE and what does it do in sunscreen?

It is a self-emulsifying form of glyceryl stearate, which means it both blends oil and water and thickens the formula. In a sunscreen it builds a rich, stable cream and helps keep the UV filters evenly dispersed. It also conditions the skin surface, leaving a soft feel.

Is Glyceryl Stearate SE safe?

Yes, for cosmetic use. Glyceryl stearate is one of the most common emulsifiers in skincare and sunscreen, mild and well tolerated at the levels formulas use. It is not flagged as an allergen in our data, so most people use it without trouble.

Does Glyceryl Stearate SE clog pores?

It carries a low comedogenic rating in our data, so the clogging risk is small for most people. It is a fatty emulsifier, which is why it lands slightly above zero rather than at it. Most skin types tolerate it well, though very acne-prone skin may want to watch how a rich cream built around it feels.

Is Glyceryl Stearate SE fungal-acne safe?

Not strictly. It is a fatty ester, and the malassezia yeast behind fungal acne can feed on that fatty part, so people actively managing fungal acne may prefer to avoid it. For everyone else it is harmless and very common. This is one specific skin concern, not a general safety issue.

What else is Glyceryl Stearate SE called and how is it different from plain glyceryl stearate?

"SE" stands for self-emulsifying. It is glyceryl stearate that has a small amount of a soap-like component blended in, so it can form an emulsion on its own without a separate partner emulsifier. On a label it sits among the other emulsifiers and thickeners, usually in the middle of the list.

Sunscreens with Glyceryl Stearate SE

We rate 181 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients