Is Glyceryl Stearate SE Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 3/5 — Can clog pores
Glyceryl Stearate SE 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 | 3/5 — Can clog pores |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Likely |
| Fungal-acne safe | No — potential trigger |
| Category | Emulsifier |
Is Glyceryl Stearate SE comedogenic?
Glyceryl Stearate SE sits in the moderate-to-high range at 3 out of 5. It can clog pores for some people — particularly those who are very acne-prone — but is better tolerated than the worst offenders. If you break out easily, patch-test Glyceryl Stearate SE and watch how your skin responds over two to three weeks before using it regularly.
Does Glyceryl Stearate SE cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Glyceryl Stearate SE 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 SE even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Should you use Glyceryl Stearate SE if you're acne-prone?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Glyceryl Stearate SE away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
How Glyceryl Stearate SE compares to other emulsifiers
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Glyceryl Stearate SE | 3/5 | Likely |
| Polysorbate 20 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Polysorbate 80 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Glyceryl Stearate | 1/5 | Unlikely |
| Ceteareth-20 | 4/5 | Likely |
| PEG-16 Lanolin | 4/5 | Likely |
| Propylene Glycol Monostearate | 4/5 | Likely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Glyceryl Stearate SE comedogenic?
Glyceryl Stearate SE sits in the moderate-to-high range at 3 out of 5. It can clog pores for some people — particularly those who are very acne-prone — but is better tolerated than the worst offenders. If you break out easily, patch-test Glyceryl Stearate SE and watch how your skin responds over two to three weeks before using it regularly.
Does Glyceryl Stearate SE cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Glyceryl Stearate SE 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 SE even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Is Glyceryl Stearate SE safe for acne-prone skin?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Glyceryl Stearate SE away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
What products is Glyceryl Stearate SE found in?
Glyceryl Stearate SE 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 SE?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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