Glyceryl Monostearate

Concerns
Malassezia Feeding

What is Glyceryl Monostearate?

Glyceryl Monostearate is a fatty acid ester formed from glycerol and stearic acid, typically produced synthetically or from vegetable oils like palm or soy. In cosmetics, it serves as a key ingredient in emulsions such as lotions, creams, and cleansers. It functions by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases, creating stable mixtures that prevent separation and deliver smooth textures. As an emollient, it mimics skin's natural lipids to improve product spreadability and reduce evaporation from the skin surface. Its surfactant properties aid in foaming and cleansing actions, while it can contribute subtle fragrance masking. Widely used in concentrations under typical formulation limits, it supports diverse product formats from moisturizers to shampoos without altering primary active delivery.

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:

Fragrance ingredient
Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).
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.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions for consistent cream textures.

Softens skin feel by filling surface irregularities and enhancing slip.

Supports cleansing through mild surfactant effects in washes and shampoos.

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 seeking smooth, non-separating lotion formulas.
Those prone to Malassezia-related skin issues like fungal acne.
Individuals wanting emollient softness in daily moisturizers.
People sensitive to fatty acid esters in heavy creams.
Users of emulsified cleansers for gentle makeup removal.
Individuals preferring fully anhydrous or simple oil-based products.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG with scores of 1 across categories.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by expert reviews with no usage restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Glyceryl Monostearate

What does Glyceryl Monostearate do in skincare?

It emulsifies oils and water for stable lotions, softens skin as an emollient, and aids mild cleansing.

Is Glyceryl Monostearate safe for daily use?

Yes, it carries low hazard ratings and is approved safe in cosmetics by regulatory experts.

Does it cause acne or irritation?

Non-comedogenic at rating 0, low irritation potential, though it may feed Malassezia in some cases.