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.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional plant-derived PEG-free O/W emulsifier. Safety confirmed by CIR. No standalone activity.
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.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
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Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Plant-derived O/W emulsifier – ester of glycerin, stearic acid, and citric acid.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate. It may also appear as: Глицерил стеарат цитрат.
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