Ingredient guide ›

Glyceryl Stearate Se

The self-mixing emulsifier.

What it does

Glyceryl stearate with a little soap added ("SE" means self-emulsifying). It blends oil and water into creams.

Good to know

Its main part is also used in food (E 471). EU food scientists (EFSA) reviewed it in 2017 and saw no need to set a daily limit.

Often found in: Hand creams, Day creams, Body lotions, Face creams

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• EFSA: Re-evaluation of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids (E 471) as food additives (2017) (Independent)