Glycol Stearate
A cosmetic ingredient used as opacifying, skin conditioning - emollient, surfactant - cleansing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
2-hydroxyethyl stearate
What does it do?
Glycol Stearate is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Opacifying
makes a transparent or translucent formulation opaque or pearlescent
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Skin conditioning - emollient
softens the skin by reducing roughness and friction between skin cells
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Surfactant - cleansing
surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
EU regulatory status
Glycol Stearate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Glycol Stearate?
Glycol Stearate is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 2-hydroxyethyl stearate
Is Glycol Stearate allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Glycol Stearate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Glycol Stearate do in cosmetic products?
Glycol Stearate is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: opacifying, skin conditioning - emollient, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.
What is the CAS number of Glycol Stearate?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Glycol Stearate is 111-60-4.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010