Emollient

Glyceryl Stearate SE

The self-emulsifying version of Glyceryl Stearate is a classic emulsifier for O/W creams that does not require additional co-emulsifiers. SE (Self-Emulsifying) means partial saponification: a mixture of Glyceryl Stearate with a small amount of sodium or potassium soap for self-emulsification.

Self-emulsifyingO/W emulsifierClassic creamFatty alcohol

✕ High Risk

Comedogenic Rating

3/5

Irritation Potential

2/5

What is it?

Glyceryl Stearate SE (GMS-SE) is the "self-emulsifying grade" of Glyceryl Stearate: Glyceryl Stearate with a small amount (~3–5%) of sodium stearate or potassium stearate as a built-in co-emulsifier. HLB ~11–12. It differs from pure Glyceryl Stearate (GS, HLB ~3.8): GS is only a lipophilic co-emulsifier, requiring a pair (Ceteareth-20 or PEG-100 Stearate); GMS-SE is a standalone O/W emulsifier. It is a solid wax at room temperature. Melts at ~57°C. Widely used in cosmetics for over 100 years. Obtained from vegetable fats (palm, sunflower oil).

Classic moisturizing creams and body lotions, day and night creams for normal/dry skin, cream-textured makeup bases, massage creams.

Key Benefits

✦

Simple O/W emulsifier — stable cream without complex systems

GMS-SE is one of the simplest ways to achieve a stable O/W emulsion: just one substance without additional co-emulsifiers. At 3–6% in a cream with 20–30% oil phase — you get a stable cream with a shelf life of 1–2 years. This is why GMS-SE is the standard in classic cosmetic formulation and the production of basic cosmetic products from mass market to pharmacy brands.

◈

Creamy "fatty" texture of a classic cream

GMS-SE gives creams a characteristic "traditional moisturizer" texture: slightly fatty, well absorbed, leaving the skin soft and velvety. This "grandma's cream" feeling is something some consumers consciously seek — especially for dry, mature skin. Compared to modern polymer thickeners (AVC, Carbomer): GMS-SE provides a "richer," more nourishing texture.

✧

Conditioning and occlusion — barrier support

The fatty base of Glyceryl Stearate acts as a mild occlusive agent: it reduces TEWL (transepidermal water loss), supporting the skin's barrier function. Effective for dry and atopic skin, where restoring the lipid barrier is a priority. In night creams: GMS-SE in combination with ceramides and fatty acids provides a powerful occlusive effect.

Suitable for

Dry and mature skinClassic cream texturesBarrier care

Main Actions

✓ Self-emulsifying O/W emulsifier✓ Creamy texture✓ Soft occlusion

GMS-SE vs GMS (plain) — difference in use

Glyceryl Stearate (plain, HLB ~3.8): lipophilic co-emulsifier, ALWAYS requires a pair — usually PEG-100 Stearate or Ceteareth-20 for a stable O/W emulsion. Glyceryl Stearate SE (HLB ~11–12): self-emulsifying, can stand alone. On the INCI packaging, both are written as 'Glyceryl Stearate' — the difference is only visible from the details or the manufacturer's SDS. GMS-SE is a more frequent choice for manufacturers for simplicity in formulation.

CategoryEmollients

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