Glyceryl Stearate Se.

What it does

Plain glyceryl stearate helps oil and water mix; the SE grade also contains a small amount of soap-like (e.g. sodium stearate) molecules, so it can pull oil and water into a stable cream more readily on its own. Alongside that emulsifying job it doubles as an emollient that gives creams body and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.

Benefits

• Self-emulsifying, so it binds oil and water into a stable lotion or cream with less help
• Gives creams a thicker, richer body and a pleasant texture
• Acts as an emollient that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
• Can be plant-derived and is readily biodegradable

Side effects

• Low irritancy and generally well tolerated
• Rated moderately comedogenic, so very acne-prone skin may prefer to patch-test rich creams built on it
• A formulation/texture ingredient rather than an active, so it carries no 'treatment' claims

Who it's for

All skin types; common in moisturisers, body lotions and hand creams

Who should be careful

Those who break out easily from heavy/comedogenic emulsifiers may want to monitor

• Glyceryl Stearate SE (Explained + Products)cosmetic database
• Glyceryl Stearate (Explained + Products)cosmetic database

Researched & reviewed · July 2, 2026