Is Glyceryl Stearate Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 1/5 — Very unlikely to clog
Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier that binds the oil and water phases of a formula together. In cosmetics it is typically found in lotions, creams and cleansing products.
| Comedogenic rating | 1/5 — Very unlikely to clog |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Unlikely |
| Fungal-acne safe | No — potential trigger |
| Category | Emulsifier |
Is Glyceryl Stearate comedogenic?
Glyceryl Stearate scores a low 1 out of 5, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores for the vast majority of people. It is generally considered a safe, low-risk choice even for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
Does Glyceryl Stearate cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Glyceryl Stearate is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Glyceryl Stearate even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Should you use Glyceryl Stearate if you're acne-prone?
Glyceryl Stearate is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare. The main caveat is fungal acne, which Glyceryl Stearate may still aggravate.
How Glyceryl Stearate compares to other emulsifiers
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Glyceryl Stearate | 1/5 | Unlikely |
| Polysorbate 20 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Polysorbate 80 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Glyceryl Stearate SE | 3/5 | Likely |
| Ceteareth-20 | 4/5 | Likely |
| PEG-16 Lanolin | 4/5 | Likely |
| Propylene Glycol Monostearate | 4/5 | Likely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Glyceryl Stearate comedogenic?
Glyceryl Stearate scores a low 1 out of 5, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores for the vast majority of people. It is generally considered a safe, low-risk choice even for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
Does Glyceryl Stearate cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Glyceryl Stearate is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Glyceryl Stearate even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Is Glyceryl Stearate safe for acne-prone skin?
Glyceryl Stearate is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare. The main caveat is fungal acne, which Glyceryl Stearate may still aggravate.
What products is Glyceryl Stearate found in?
Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier that binds the oil and water phases of a formula together, and is commonly found in lotions, creams and cleansing products.
What can I use instead of Glyceryl Stearate?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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