Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate

What is Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate?

Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate is the disodium salt of N-stearoyl-L-glutamic acid, synthesized from the amino acid glutamic acid and stearic fatty acid, a common plant or animal-derived chain. This anionic surfactant appears as a white to pale yellow powder, soluble in water, and is widely used in rinse-off cosmetics like facial cleansers, shampoos, body washes, and makeup removers. It functions by lowering surface tension to remove impurities through micelle formation, while its conditioning properties from the fatty acid chain deposit a protective layer on skin and hair cuticles, enhancing softness. As a mild emulsifier, it stabilizes oil-in-water formulations without harshness, making it suitable for gentle, sulfate-free systems. Its biodegradable nature aligns with eco-friendly product trends.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing that preserves natural moisture balance.

Enhances skin and hair softness by reducing friction and static.

Supports stable emulsions in cleansers and conditioners.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with sensitive skin seeking mild cleansers.
Those with rare allergies to glutamic acid derivatives.
Individuals with dry hair or skin needing conditioning surfactants.
People sensitive to stearic acid-based compounds.
Users preferring biodegradable, amino acid-based ingredients.
Individuals preferring completely non-surfactant products.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by independent safety assessments.
  • Evidence shows minimal skin and eye irritation potential.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate

What is Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate?

A mild surfactant from glutamic acid and stearic acid, used for gentle cleansing and conditioning in wash-off products.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, it has low irritation potential and is suitable for sensitive formulations per safety evaluations.

What products contain it?

Common in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and emulsified rinse-off cosmetics.