Glyceryl Stearate/Maleate
AKA: Glyceryl monostearate, Monostearin, Glycerin 1-monostearate, Glycerin 1-stearate, Stearin
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Glyceryl Stearate/Maleate is a cosmetic ingredient used as emollient, emulsifying, skin conditioning. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Formula
C21H42O4
Mol. Weight
358.6
CAS #
31566-31-1
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Surfactant
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic ingredient created by combining glycerin, stearic acid, and maleic acid. Developed for cosmetic formulations as an emollient and thickening agent.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR