Glyceryl Stearate
Also known as Glycerol monostearate, GMS, Glyceryl monostearate, 1-Monostearoyl-rac-glycerol, Monostearin
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Glyceryl Stearate (glyceryl monostearate; GMS; CAS 31566-31-1; C21H42O4) is the monoester of glycerin and stearic acid, a non-ionic surfactant used as an emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, co-emulsifier, and skin conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It is one of the most widely used oil-in-water emulsifiers in cosmetics, typically appearing alongside PEG-100 stearate (as the 'self-emulsifying' or 'SE' grade) to create stable creams and lotions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel originally assessed Glyceryl Stearate in 1982 (J Am Coll Toxicol 1(4):169-92) and concluded it and Glyceryl Stearate SE (the self-emulsifying form) are safe for topical application in the present practices of use. The 1982 assessment noted that products containing 2% Glyceryl Stearate were non-phototoxic and non-photoallergenic. The Panel re-reviewed Glyceryl Stearate as part of the December 2015 amended Monoglyceryl Monoesters assessment (per CIR's 15-year re-review schedule) and confirmed the safety conclusion. The QRT row carries no conditions or concentration limits. Glyceryl Stearate is FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) as a direct food additive; it is also a natural component of human sebum and digested dietary fats.
Primary non-ionic oil-in-water emulsifier in cosmetic formulations — creates stable creams and lotions, often paired with PEG-100 stearate as a 'self-emulsifying' co-emulsifier system
Emulsion stabilizer and co-emulsifier with excellent compatibility across most other cosmetic ingredients
Skin conditioning agent with mild emollient properties; does not leave a greasy feel at typical use concentrations (1-5%)
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe for topical application:169-92, 1982; confirmed in the 2015 amended Monoglyceryl Monoesters re-review)
FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) as a direct food additive; natural component of sebum and digested dietary fats
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) - Glyceryl Stearate row: Finding 'S' (Safe), Citation 'JACT 1(4):169-92, 1982; Final…
“Glyceryl Stearate | S | [no detail column entry] | JACT 1(4):169-92, 1982; Final report 12/2015 available from CIR”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 53