Glyceryl Stearate se
Also known as Glyceryl monostearate SE, Self-emulsifying glyceryl stearate, GMS SE, Glyceryl stearate self-emulsifying
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Glyceryl Stearate SE is the self-emulsifying grade of glyceryl monostearate; unlike plain Glyceryl Stearate, it contains a small proportion of alkali metal soaps (sodium and/or potassium stearate) that give it built-in self-emulsifying behavior in water. The CIR Expert Panel assessed Glyceryl Stearate SE as a distinct INCI in the original 1982 safety assessment (JACT 1(4):169-92) alongside plain Glyceryl Stearate, concluding it is safe for topical cosmetic use at present practices of use and concentration. The 2015 CIR amended re-review (Final report 12/2015) confirmed this finding. No concentration limit or use conditions were specified. The PMID 15513825 amended safety assessment (IJT 23(S2):55-94, 2004) covers related glyceryl monoesters but does not individually evaluate Glyceryl Stearate SE; the primary SE-specific record is the QRT row citing the 1982 JACT report.
Self-emulsifying emulsifier: the alkali soap content allows stable oil-in-water emulsification without requiring a co-emulsifier such as PEG-100 stearate
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe for topical application as part of the 1982 assessment:169-92) confirmed in the 2015 CIR amended re-review
Widely used in creams and lotions at typical concentrations of 1–5%; compatible with a broad range of cosmetic ingredients
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — GLYCERYL STEARATE SE row: Finding=S, Detail=(blank), Citation='JACT 1(4):169-92, 1…
“Glyceryl Stearate SE | S | | JACT 1(4):169-92, 1982; Final report 12/2015 available from CIR”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 53