Glyceryl Stearate Se

Glyceryl Stearate SE is a fatty-acid-derived emulsifier/self-emulsifying agent typically used around ~1–5% in creams and lotions, and it is generally well tolerated because it is non-volatile and not an acid/solvent-type irritant. Clinical and consumer patch-testing experience suggests a low rate of irritation, with most reactions occurring only in highly reactive or barrier-impaired patients or when combined with other irritants in a routine. Given the rare but possible sensitivity in compromised skin, it is best categorized as very gentle rather than completely inert. Safety Notes: Glyceryl Stearate SE (self-emulsifying glyceryl stearate, typically containing a small amount of sodium/potassium stearate) is used at very low levels (~0.2–1%) in light lotions/serums primarily for co-emulsification, slip, and viscosity support, especially in leave-on emulsions. In mass-market creams, sunscreens, and rinse-off creams/cleansers it more commonly sits around 2–5%, while high-structure OTC body butters, cold-cream style products, and very rich barrier creams can push it into the ~8–12% range as a primary emulsifier/structurant; higher levels are limited by waxy drag, soapiness/pH effects, and phase/stability constraints.