Glyceryl stearate and PEG-100 stearate is a combination of two emulsifying (and emulsion stabilising) ingredients. Glyceryl stearate is a solid and waxy compound. It is made by reacting glycerine (a soap by-product) with stearic acid (a naturally occurring, vegetable fatty acid). PEG-100 stearate is an off-white, solid ester of polyethylene glycol (a binder and a softener) and stearic acid.
Description
The surfactant qualities of glyceryl stearate and PEG-100 stearate allow oil and water to mix. The stabilising effect of these two ingredients means that the product remains blended and will not separate.
Creams and lotions are water and oil droplets held together by materials called emulsifiers, without them oil droplets would float on top of the water. When formulating our creams and lotions, we carefully consider the levels of fatty acids in other materials (such as cocoa and shea butters).
When used in a moisturiser, this forms a protective barrier on the surface of skin, greatly assisting moisture retention.
