Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Plant-derived O/W emulsifier – ester of glycerin, stearic acid, and citric acid. Substitutes PEG emulsifiers in clean formulas, builds a dense velvety texture. Safe in pregnancy and for sensitive skin. No standalone activity.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is a plant-derived O/W emulsifier produced by esterifying glycerin with stearic and citric acids. The feedstock is palm or coconut oil, less often sunflower. INCI: Glyceryl Stearate Citrate. Often labeled as Axol C 62 (Degussa) or Imwitor 372 (Cremer). In formulas it works as a primary or secondary O/W emulsifier. It stabilizes medium-to-rich creams and gives a dense, velvety texture with a matte finish. It pairs well with glyceryl stearate (no citrate) and cetearyl alcohol to build a stable emulsion matrix. Use levels are 2-8%. Unlike polyoxyethylene (PEG) emulsifiers, it carries no risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption is minimal – the component is rapidly hydrolyzed by skin esterases into natural metabolites (glycerin, stearic acid, citric acid). No teratogenic effects. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for sensitive skin. Approved for use in baby creams and dermatologist-tested products. No standalone active effects. This is a formula-structure component. Stearic acid bound into the ester does not act like free stearic acid, so it leaves no white residue on the skin and absorbs more easily.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate safe during pregnancy?
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate for?
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Plant-derived O/W emulsifier – ester of glycerin, stearic acid, and citric acid.
Is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Glyceryl Stearate Citrate?
The INCI name is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate.
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycol Distearate, Glycol Montanate, Guanidine Carbonate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Propyl Gallate, Thiolactic Acid, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
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