| What is it? |
Glyceryl Stearate SE is made from vegetable glycerin and stearic acid, with a small amount of sodium stearate or potassium stearate present as the emulsifying element. Glyceryl Stearate SE is absolutely not the same as Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 Stearate and they are not interchangeable. |
| INCI |
Glyceryl Stearate SE |
| Appearance |
Flat white flakes or small white granules |
| Usage rate |
1–10% |
| Texture |
Smooth, hard |
| Scent |
Nothing much |
| Approximate Melting Point |
55°C (130°F) |
| Charge |
Anionic |
| Solubility |
Oil |
| Why do we use it in formulations? |
Glyceryl Stearate SE is an emulsifier and is used to bring together oil and water. |
| Do you need it? |
No |
| Refined or unrefined? |
Glyceryl Stearate SE only exists as a refined product. |
| Strengths |
Glyceryl Stearate SE has the potential to be palm free, depending on the sources for the glycerin and stearic acid (both can come from palm oil but don’t have to). |
| Weaknesses |
I find it needs more stabilizing ingredients than emulsifying waxes like Polawax and Olivem 1000. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions |
Polawax works well; you could likely use most complete emulsifying waxes as an alternative to Glyceryl Stearate SE. |
| How to Work with It |
Include Glyceryl Stearate SE in the heated oil phase of your formulations. |
| Storage & Shelf Life |
Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks |
Glyceryl Stearate SE is not the same thing as Glyceryl Stearate and they should not be used for one another. |
| Recommended starter amount |
100g (3.5oz) |
| Where to Buy it |
Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Originally published on December 30, 2019