Glyceryl Stearate helps the eyeshadow spread smoothly.
Glyceryl stearate is a wax-like chemical made from glycerin and stearic acid. The ingredient is often found in cosmetics and skin care products such as lotions, creams, and cleansers. It acts as a lubricant and helps soften and smooth the skin.
This wax-like ingredient often found in cosmetics and skin care products is derived from a variety of sources. Palm kernel oil, soybean oil, or vegetable oil are among possible sources. The ingredient is also naturally manufactured by the human body. It may also be referred to as glyceryl stearate monostearate on product labels and data sheets.
Glyceryl Stearate can be found in many skin care products.
Other properties of glyceryl stearate make it ideal for cosmetic and skin care use. The ingredient helps form a barrier on the skin and limits the amount of moisture loss the skin experiences. Free radical protection is another touted benefit of using the ingredient in skin and cosmetic products. Some examples of potentially harmful free radicals include those emitted by pollution, cigarette smoke, and radiation. Free radicals accumulate and become more damaging with age.
Cosmetics use this ingredient in a variety of ways. In foundations, glyceryl stearate can help with the smoothness and feel of the product on the skin. It can also help fill in fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking smooth.
Stearic acid is one of the most common natural fatty acids.
Skin care products such as lotions and creams also use the ingredient for many of the same purposes as foundations. Lotions and creams help moisturize the skin and prevent cracking and dry skin as a result of the inclusion of glyceryl stearate in the product. Other skincare products that contain the ingredient include sunscreen products.
Other cosmetic products also use this substance as an ingredient. This includes mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. Ingredient properties help prevent mascara from clumping, eyeshadow stays smooth, and eyeliner maintains a smooth feel.
Glyceryl Stearate helps prevent mascara from building up.
There are other purposes for including glyceryl stearate in cosmetic and skin care products. The ingredient helps prevent frostbite and also removes surface crust in products like creams and lotions. Reducing the oily feel in products is another benefit.
Experts recommend storing all products that contain this chemical in an airtight container and away from sources of heat and light. A good suggestion is to store these products in a sealed medicine cabinet. Although this chemical is considered safe as an ingredient in consumer products, those who work in the laboratory must take precautions when handling it in its raw form.