If, when buying cosmetics, you are used to reading the composition on the back of the package, you have probably noticed more than once such a component as Glyceryl Stearate. In cosmetics, this ingredient has been used for a long time, it is almost indispensable for all types of products. Creams, shampoos, shower gels, many common products contain glyceryl stearate. What is this required ingredient, what does it consist of and what effect does it have on the skin? Can it cause an allergy? These questions will be answered by this article.
Harmful surfactants: myth or reality
Back in school, during chemistry classes, children learn that surfactants are quite harmful. This is not a myth, since those surface active substances that were common in the production of household chemicals in the last century were mainly made from oil. Today, manufacturers have moved away from this method of manufacturing.
This is due to the fact that, firstly, it is cheaper to produce surfactants from natural ingredients, and secondly, GOSTs and international quality standards oblige all the same to make products the most safe for consumers. Therefore, if you see that this or that surfactant is present in the shampoo or face cream, do not rush to return this cosmetic product to the shelving in the store.
One of the most commonly used surfactants today is Glyceryl Stearate. In cosmetics, hair products and even household chemicals. It seems to be added to all products. This is no accident, because glyceryl stearate is cheap to obtain, it is absolutely safe, and even has a beneficial effect on the skin.
Why is glyceryl stearate needed?
Any cosmetic product in its composition is multicomponent. Take any cream or shampoo and break it down into its components. You will see that your usual white or clear liquid consists of extracts from plants, decoctions, oils. Now mix it all up, and what do you get? Of course, this will be a heterogeneous creamy consistency.
That is why manufacturers of cosmetics and household chemicals came up with so-called emulsifiers. These compounds allow you to withstand a uniform consistency of products consisting of substances of different density and density. Without emulsifiers, it would not have been possible to create anything that modern women are used to using.
Foundation, face cream , shampoo, conditioner, makeup remover lotion - all these products include oils in their composition. Oil helps the skin look healthier, nourishes and moisturizes it. But try pouring some oil into a vessel of water. You will see that the oil remains floating on the surface, as it is lighter than water.
Emulsifiers allow you to keep familiar cosmetic products attractive appearance in the form of a homogeneous cream or liquid. Glyceryl stearate is also an emulsifier. If manufacturers did not use glyceryl stearate (Glyceryl Stearate) in cosmetics, any cosmetic products would immediately turn into an incomprehensible, consisting of several phases, formation.
How to get glyceryl stearate?
Glyceryl stearate is synthesized in the laboratory from glycerol and stearic acid. This product is non-toxic, harmless, and is most often used in the pharmaceutical industry as an emulsifier. Its main purpose is to maintain the desired consistency of the product. In addition, without emulsifiers, substances having an oil base would decompose into several phases. On the surface of the oil phase, harmful microorganisms would certainly form. Emulsifiers, and glyceryl stearate is one of them, allow the cosmetic product to keep the desired appearance, in addition, take care of the skin and makes it softer.
Benefit
We explained why glyceryl stearate is used in cosmetics. Reviews of pharmacists, cosmetologists and people working in the production of cosmetics indicate that glyceryl stearate is considered a rather useful substance.
Glycerin has emollient properties, and Glyceryl Stearate adopted these same qualities. In cosmetics, it is used as an additional moisturizing component that gives the skin softness. Present in the cream, it is able to fill in wrinkles and cracks in the skin, carry moisture to the upper layer of the dermis. When glyceryl stearate is added to shampoos, after application, the hair becomes softer and more beautiful.
Glyceryl Stearate in cosmetics: harm
Could this compound be dangerous, which is often used as an ingredient in cosmetics? Glyceryl stearate is not recommended for those who are allergic to this substance. In other cases, to date, no negative effects on the skin have been identified, only benefits.
However, some recent studies suggest that glyceryl stearate, when deeply penetrated under the dermis, can expel moisture to the surface of the skin, thereby draining it. The study was conducted in this way: glyceryl stearate was applied to the dermis in its pure form and in large quantities. You understand, it is unlikely that you will have the opportunity to generously lubricate your face with a large amount of glyceryl stearate.
Derivatives of glyceryl stearate
One commonly used variation of this compound is Glyceryl Stearate SE. In cosmetics, this substance is also used as an emulsifier, and the letters SE mean that this compound "emulsifies itself." It is produced in the form of granules and is used in cosmetics consisting of water and oil. Not used in food. It has the same effect as glyceryl stearate, that is, softens and moisturizes the skin.
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate in cosmetics is also used quite often. The word "citrate" may cause concern. And completely in vain! Such a compound is a mixture of citric acid and oils, and therefore the compound is not toxic. Unlike regular glyceryl stearate, it gives the cosmetics a lemon scent.