| What is it? | Glyceryl Stearate SE is made from vegetable glycerin and stearic acid, with a small amount of sodium stearate or potassium stearate present as the emulsifying element.
Glyceryl Stearate SE is absolutely not the same as Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 Stearate and they are not interchangeable. |
| INCI | Glyceryl Stearate SE |
| Appearance | Flat white flakes or small white granules |
| Usage rate | 1–10% |
| Texture | Smooth, hard |
| Scent | Nothing much |
| Approximate Melting Point | 55°C (130°F) |
| Charge | Anionic |
| Solubility | Oil |
| Why do we use it in formulations? | Glyceryl Stearate SE is an emulsifier and is used to bring together oil and water. |
| Do you need it? | No |
| Refined or unrefined? | Glyceryl Stearate SE only exists as a refined product. |
| Strengths | Glyceryl Stearate SE has the potential to be palm free, depending on the sources for the glycerin and stearic acid (both can come from palm oil but don’t have to). |
| Weaknesses | I find it needs more stabilizing ingredients than emulsifying waxes like Polawax and Olivem 1000. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | Polawax works well; you could likely use most complete emulsifying waxes as an alternative to Glyceryl Stearate SE. |
| How to Work with It | Include Glyceryl Stearate SE in the heated oil phase of your formulations. |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | Glyceryl Stearate SE is not the same thing as Glyceryl Stearate and they should not be used for one another. |
| Recommended starter amount | 100g (3.5oz) |
| Where to Buy it | Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |
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