If you are used to buying cosmeticsread the composition on the back of the package, probably noticed more than once a component such as Glyceryl Stearate. In cosmetics, this ingredient has been used for a long time, it is almost indispensable for all types of products. Creams, shampoos, shower gels, many popular products contain glyceryl stearate. What is this obligatory ingredient, what does it consist of and what effect does it have on the skin? Can it cause allergies? These questions will be answered by this article.
Harm surfactant: myth or reality
Even at school during chemistry lessons, children will learnthat surfactants are quite harmful. This is not a myth, since those surface active substances that were common in the production of household chemicals in the last century, were made mainly from oil. Today, manufacturers have moved away from this method of manufacture.
This is due to the fact that, firstly, it is cheaperto produce surfactants from natural ingredients, secondly, GOSTs and world quality standards still oblige to make products the safest for the consumer. Therefore, if you see that this or that surfactant is present in a shampoo or face cream, do not rush to return this cosmetic product to the shelf in the store.
One of the most commonly used surfactants ontoday is Glyceryl Stearate. In cosmetics, hair products and even household chemicals. It seems to be added to all products. This is not by chance, because glyceryl stearate is cheap to obtain, it is absolutely safe, and even has a beneficial effect on the skin.
Why do you need glyceryl stearate?
Any cosmetic in its compositionis multicomponent. Take any cream or shampoo and spread it on the components. You will see that the usual white or clear liquid consists of extracts from plants, decoctions, oils. Now mix it all up, and what do you get? Of course, it will be a non-uniform creamy consistency.
That is why manufacturers of cosmetics and householdChemistry invented the so-called emulsifiers. These compounds make it possible to withstand a uniform consistency in products consisting of substances of different density and density. Without emulsifiers, we would not be able to create anything that modern women are accustomed to using.
Foundation, face cream, shampoo,conditioner, makeup remover lotion - all these products include oils in their composition. The oil helps the skin to look healthier, nourishes and moisturizes it. But try pouring some oil into a jar of water. You will see that the oil will remain floating on the surface, as it is lighter than water.
Emulsifiers allow you to keep the usualcosmetic products attractive appearance in the form of a homogeneous cream or liquid. Glyceryl stearate is also an emulsifier. If manufacturers did not use glyceryl stearate (Glyceryl Stearate) in cosmetics, any cosmetic products would turn into an incomprehensible, consisting of several phases, formation.
How to get glyceryl stearate?
Glyceryl stearate is synthesized in the laboratory fromglycerol and stearic acid. This product is non-toxic, harmless, and is most often used in the pharmaceutical industry as an emulsifier. Its main purpose is to maintain the desired consistency of the product. In addition, without emulsifiers, oily-based substances would disintegrate into several phases. On the surface of the oil phase would certainly form harmful microorganisms. Emulsifiers, and glyceryl stearate one of them, allow the cosmetic product to store the desired look, besides, it cares for the skin and makes it softer.
Benefit
We explained what glyceryl is used for.stearate (Glyceryl Stearate) in cosmetics. Reviews of pharmacists, cosmetologists and people working in the production of cosmetics, suggest that glyceryl stearate is considered to be quite a useful substance.
Glycerin has emollient properties, and thesethe same quality adopted Glyceryl Stearate. In cosmetics, it is used as an additional moisturizing component, which gives the skin softness. Being present in the composition of the cream, it is able to fill wrinkles and cracks in the skin, to carry moisture into the upper layer of the dermis. When glyceryl stearate is added to shampoos, after applying the hair becomes softer and more beautiful.
Glyceryl Stearate in cosmetics: harm
Could this compound be dangerous, which is oftenused as an ingredient in cosmetics? Glyceryl stearate is not recommended for those who are allergic to this substance. In other cases, to date, no negative effects on the skin have been identified, only benefits.
However, some recent research suggeststhe fact that glyceryl stearate with a deep penetration under the dermis can push moisture to the surface of the skin, thereby draining it. The study was conducted as follows: glyceryl stearate was applied to the dermis in pure form and in large quantities. You understand that it is unlikely that you will be able to abundantly lubricate your face with a large amount of glyceryl stearate.
Glyceryl Stearate Derivatives
One of the commonly used varieties of thisconnections - Glyceryl Stearate SE. In cosmetics, this substance is also used as an emulsifier, and the letters SE mean that this compound "emulsifies independently." It is produced in the form of granules and is used in cosmetics consisting of water and oil. In food is not used. It has the same effect as glyceryl stearate, that is, it softens and moisturizes the skin.
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate in cosmetics alsoused quite often. The word "citrate" can cause concern. And it is in vain! This compound is a mixture of citric acid and oils, and therefore the compound is not toxic. Unlike regular glyceryl, stearate gives cosmetics a lemon flavor.
