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Glyceryl Stearate

  • Esters
  • CAS 123-94-4
  • IUPAC: 2,3-dihydroxypropyl octadecanoate

Glyceryl Stearate (CAS 123-94-4) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

CIR-reviewed (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) as safe at concentrations used in cosmetics. Non-irritating, non-sensitizing. Widely used in food (FDA GRAS) and cosmetics.

Glyceryl stearate is the monoester of glycerol and stearic acid. It occurs naturally in the human body as a metabolite of fat digestion. In formulation chemistry it functions as a primary O/W emulsifier and emollient. In leather care sprays it helps stable dispersion of conditioning oils and waxes into the aqueous base.

Extremely safe: FDA GRAS status, CIR panel-approved at cosmetic use concentrations, readily biodegradable, and low aquatic toxicity. A standard pharmaceutical and food-grade emulsifier repurposed in skin-contact industrial applications.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Emulsifier and emollient; helps blend conditioning oils into water-based formulas

Common questions about Glyceryl Stearate

What is Glyceryl Stearate used for in car care?
Emulsifier and emollient; helps blend conditioning oils into water-based formulas
Is Glyceryl Stearate a VOC?
No. Glyceryl Stearate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Glyceryl Stearate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Glyceryl Stearate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Glyceryl Stearate biodegradable?
Yes. Glyceryl Stearate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.