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Glycerol Monostearate-SE
ORY® product lines:
☑ Skincare
☑ Haircare
◐ Handmade Soap (limited: syndet and lotion bars)
☑ Cosmetics — three-line functional ingredient (see also the Glyceryl Stearate document)
Glycerol monostearate-SE (glyceryl stearate SE) is the self-emulsifying grade of glyceryl stearate: the same plant-derived glycerin–stearic acid ester, pre-blended with a small amount of potassium or sodium stearate (a soap) that supplies the water-loving component. The result is a single ingredient that can build an oil-in-water cream on its own — simpler for small-batch and Build-Your-Own formulation than pairing two emulsifiers. It gives creams a rich, opaque, cushiony texture and a soft, skin-like after-feel, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel has concluded glyceryl stearate SE is safe in cosmetics [1]. Its soap component makes it mildly alkaline and sensitive to acids and electrolytes, which governs how ORY® pairs it with acidic actives.
What is Glycerol Monostearate-SE made of?
Glyceryl stearate SE is glyceryl monostearate co-processed with 3–8% potassium or sodium stearate. Points to know [1]:
- Glyceryl stearate (~92–97%): Oil-loving emollient emulsifier.
- Potassium/sodium stearate (~3–8%): Anionic soap that provides the water-loving balance — “self-emulsifying.”
- Anionic character: Works best at pH 6–8; destabilized by strong acids (pH <5.5), high electrolytes, and cationic ingredients (e.g., BTMS).
- White waxy flakes; melts at ~58–62 °C.
- Vegan; palm-free grades available.
What skin type is best suited for Glycerol Monostearate-SE?
Glyceryl stearate SE suits all seven ORY® skin types in neutral-pH creams:
- Dry: Fatty-alcohol emollience softens and reduces water loss; glyceryl stearate SE lets ORY® build richer creams.
- Sensitive: Non-irritating, fragrance-free structural ingredient; suitable for reactive and eczema-prone skin (rare fatty-alcohol allergy — patch test).
- Mature: Supports rich, cushioning creams and barrier balms.
- Normal: Everyday lotion and cream structure.
- Combination: Adjust level for lighter lotions.
- Oily: Rich creams; keep levels low and add lightweight esters for oily skin.
- Acne-prone: Low comedogenicity at typical levels; keep formulas light.
What hair type is best suited for Glycerol Monostearate-SE?
Glyceryl stearate SE thickens creamy haircare where no cationic conditioner is used:
- Dry or damaged: Rich hair creams and masks (non-cationic formulas).
- Curly and coily: Creamy leave-ins and curl creams.
- Straight and wavy: Light styling creams.
- Color-treated: Neutral; avoid with acidic color-sealing formulas.
- Oily scalp, sensitive scalp, dandruff-prone, mature or thinning: Structural; not combined with BTMS-based conditioners.
What are the benefits of Glycerol Monostearate-SE?
Glyceryl stearate SE’s benefits are functional [1, 2]:
- Stand-alone O/W emulsifier: Builds creams without a second emulsifier.
- Rich, cushiony texture: Opaque, luxurious creams.
- Emollient: Skin-like monoglyceride film [2].
- Thickener: Body without added gums.
- Simple formulation: Ideal for small-batch and custom creams.
- Gentle: CIR-reviewed as safe [1].
Dual use across ORY® product lines
Glyceryl stearate SE serves creams, non-cationic haircare, and cosmetics; it is not used in cold-process soap.
| ORY® line | Dual use? | How it is used | Typical level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ORY® Skincare |
Yes |
Rich face and body creams, hand creams, cleansing creams (pH 6–7.5). |
3–8% |
|
ORY® Haircare |
Yes |
Non-cationic hair creams, curl creams, masks. |
2–5% |
|
ORY® Handmade Soap |
Limited |
Not in cold-process soap; used in syndet bars and lotion bars. |
2–10% in solid bars |
|
ORY® Cosmetics |
Yes |
Cream foundations, cream blush, cold creams. |
2–6% |
Pros and cons of Glycerol Monostearate-SE
Pros
Cons
- One-ingredient emulsifier: Simplifies custom formulation.
- Rich sensory: Cushion and opacity.
- Gentle, CIR-reviewed: [1].
- Vegan, plant-derived: Coconut, palm, or rapeseed.
- Affordable: Economical base.
- pH- and electrolyte-sensitive: Breaks with strong acids (AHAs, vitamin C) and salts — use the non-SE grade with a partner for acidic products.
- Incompatible with cationics: Do not combine with BTMS.
- Heavier feel: Less suited to light lotions.
- Mild alkalinity: Formulas finish at pH 6.5–7.5 unless buffered.
- Palm sourcing: Specify certified material.
What is the best application of Glycerol Monostearate-SE?
Glyceryl stearate SE is built into rich, neutral-pH creams:
- Rich cream: 4–6% with 2% cetearyl alcohol.
- Hand or body cream: 5–8%.
- Cleansing cream: 4–6%.
- Curl cream: 3–5% (no BTMS).
- Cosmetics: Cream foundation base.
Peer-reviewed references
- Elder RL (ed). Final report on the safety assessment of glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE. Journal of the American College of Toxicology. 1982;1(4):169–192.
- Lodén M. Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2003;4(11):771–788.
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is provided by ORY International, LC for educational purposes only. It summarizes published research about glyceryl stearate SE as an ingredient, including laboratory and animal studies and clinical studies of formulas that may differ from ORY® products. Results from these studies may not apply to every person or to ORY® products. This page is not medical advice and does not replace advice from a dermatologist, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider.
ORY® Skincare, Haircare, Handmade Soap, and Cosmetics products are cosmetics. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease or condition, including eczema, dermatitis, acne, dandruff, or any other condition. References to FDA or Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) findings describe the ingredient, not ORY® products, and do not mean FDA has reviewed or approved any ORY® product.
Results vary by skin and scalp type, formulation, and use. Emulsifiers are rarely irritating at normal use levels, and any cosmetic can cause irritation, sometimes from other ingredients. Always patch test, follow label directions, and stop use if irritation occurs. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, consult a healthcare provider before use.
ORY International, LC works to keep this page accurate and current but makes no warranty as to its completeness. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ORY International, LC is not liable for any loss or injury arising from reliance on this information or from use of any product contrary to its label directions. To report a reaction, contact us at [insert contact email / phone].
