Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate

Sodium stearoyl glutamate is an amino‑acid–derived surfactant/emulsifier typically used at low concentrations (about 0.1–3%) to stabilize creams and provide mild cleansing/emulsifying without strong lipid stripping. Human experience and patch-test data generally show low irritation potential compared with harsher anionic surfactants, though any surfactant can sting or irritate very compromised skin (eczema flares, post-procedure) especially in leave-on products layered with other actives. Given its generally good tolerability but nonzero surfactant-related risk in highly reactive patients, it fits best as very gentle rather than inert. Safety Notes: Sodium stearoyl glutamate is an amino-acid–derived emulsifier/co-emulsifier and mild anionic surfactant typically used at low levels (~0.05–0.3%) in leave-on creams/lotions to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve skin feel, and around ~0.5–2% in cleansers and lotion-like emulsions where it also contributes to cleansing/foam. In consumer-available high-structure emulsions, balm-to-milk cleansers, and “natural”/PEG-free emulsifier systems, it is observed up to about 3–5% as a primary emulsifier/surfactant blend component; higher levels are uncommon due to viscosity/lamellar-structure constraints and potential irritation/soaping in leave-on formats.