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Glycol Stearate

What Glycol Stearate is & what it does

Glycol Stearate is the ethylene glycol ester of stearic acid, a fatty acid commonly derived from vegetable or animal fats. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it works as an emollient and opacifying agent, giving lotions and creams a smooth, conditioned feel. It is best known for the soft pearlescent or pearly sheen it can lend to a product.

Is Glycol Stearate safe in skincare?

Glycol Stearate is a widely used fatty acid ester that has a long history of use as an emollient and opacifier in cosmetics. It is generally regarded as well tolerated when used at typical levels in skincare and sunscreen formulas. As with any ingredient, individual sensitivities are possible, so patch testing is reasonable if you have reactive skin.

Does Glycol Stearate clog pores?

Glycol Stearate is a fatty acid ester used mainly for texture and a pearly finish, and it is not generally singled out as a strongly pore-clogging ingredient. How a product behaves on your skin depends on the full formula, not one component. If you are acne-prone, observing how your skin responds to the finished product is the most practical approach.

Is Glycol Stearate vegan?

Glycol Stearate is made from stearic acid, which can be sourced from either plant or animal fats, so the ingredient alone does not guarantee vegan status. Many suppliers now use vegetable-derived stearic acid. To be certain, look for an explicit vegan claim from the brand or contact the manufacturer.

Sunscreens with Glycol Stearate

We rate 43 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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