Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate

Benefits
Hair ConditioningSofteningAntioxidant

What is Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate?

Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is the sodium salt of N-stearoyl-L-glutamate, formed by combining glutamic acid, an amino acid, with stearic acid, a fatty acid typically sourced from plant or animal origins. This anionic surfactant appears in cleansers, shampoos, and emulsions. It functions by reducing surface tension to lift dirt and oils without stripping natural moisture, while its conditioning properties enhance texture. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes oil-water mixtures for creamy consistencies. Known for gentleness, it suits formulations targeting sensitive skin and hair, providing a soft after-feel through mild interaction with skin lipids.

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.
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

Supports hair conditioning for improved manageability and shine.

Promotes skin softening and smoothness.

Offers antioxidant support in formulations.

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 gentle cleansers.
Those with rare allergies to glutamic acid derivatives.
Individuals with dry or damaged hair needing conditioning.
People sensitive to anionic surfactants.
Users preferring mild, amino acid-based surfactants.
Individuals preferring silicone-free or oil-free products.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard in cosmetic use.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate

What is Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate?

A gentle, amino acid-based surfactant used for cleansing and emulsifying in skincare and haircare.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, valued for its mild nature and low irritation potential.

Does it help with hair conditioning?

It improves hair softness, shine, and manageability.