Very Disliked

Glycol Distearate

Explained

Glycol Distearate is an emulsifier and emollient that adds a "pearly" appearance to formulations.

That lustrous look you see in many shampoos is due to this ingredient: when cooled, it crystallizes into small platelets that reflect light to give products that rich, shimmering look.

This ingredient is considered safe at present practices of use and concentration and repeated insult patch test with 50% Glycol Distearate on 125 subjects found no evidence of skin irritation, hypersensitivity, or acute toxicity.

Typical use concentrations range from 0.1-10%.

Because it's an ester of stearic acid, it falls into the range that Malassezia likes to metabolize. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.

See all 2,528 products with Glycol Distearate

Users who like it
11%
Users who avoid it
89%

What it does

Emollient Having the quality of softening or soothing the skin.
Emulsifying The act of emulsion: a suspension of small globules of one liquid in a second liquid with which the first will not mix
Skin Conditioning To hydrate and soften skin

Prevalence

Uncommon Percentage of products that contain it
2%
Top categories
Cleansers
Haircare
Moisturizers
Position Predominant list placement
Top 25%

References

CosIng Data

CosIng ID 34134
INCI Name GLYCOL DISTEARATE
EC #  211-014-3
All Functions Emollient, Emulsifying, Opa CI Fying, Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling