Glycerides
What is Glycerides?
Glycerides are a class of esters formed from glycerol and fatty acids, commonly used in skincare as emollients, emulsifiers, and skin-conditioning agents. They can be derived from plant or animal sources and vary in structure (mono-, di-, or triglycerides), providing a protective barrier that helps retain moisture and improve product texture. In formulations, they enhance spreadability and stability while delivering fatty acids essential for skin barrier repair.
Roles in Formulation
This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:
Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Humectant
Attracts and holds water in the stratum corneum, boosting hydration and plumpness; commonly used in moisturizers, cleansers, and hair conditioners.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.