( Monaesi skincare uses plant derived Glyceryl stearate citric acid)
Glyceryl stearate citrate is a fatty acid formed either by chemical or enzymatic reaction of glycerine, stearic acid and citric acid. It contains 1-mono-glyceride (10% to 30%) and free glycerol (maximum 3%). Each of these components are obtained from natural sources which can be plants and animals.
Sources of glycerin can include animal and plant derived fats. Manufacturers can also synthetically produce glycerin. For vegetable glycerin, common sources include triglyceride-rich vegetable fats, such as coconut, soy, palm oil, etc. Likewise, stearic acid can be obtained from both animal and plant fats. The type of fat used in the production of stearic acid is beef fat, also known as tallow. Stearic acid is also obtained in lesser amounts from herring and sardine. Plant oils such as cotton, coconut, palm kernel, castor beans, rapeseed, soybeans, and sunflowers are also natural sources of stearic acid. Citric acid used in the reaction is plant-derived.
In the personal care industry, glyceryl stearate citric acid is added to the formulations primarily for its e mulsifying properties. Besides giving physical attributes to the formulation, this fatty acid ester is also perceived to aid in the protection of the skin barrier and acts as an emollient. It provides a soft and smooth appearance on the skin and helps with moisturization of the skin. 1
FDA has conducted a safety assessment of the glyceryl esters that are used in the cosmetic industry as well as in other industries. Tests on toxicity, skin sensitivity, skin sensitization, carcinogenicity, tumor promotion, etc were investigated. Their detailed investigation has concluded that glyceryl stearate citrate is a safe ingredient to be used as long it is used under the recommended concentrations. 2,3
References:
- Pepe, R. C., J. A. Wenninger, N. McEwen, Jr., eds. 2002. International cosmetic ingredient dictionary and handbook, 9th ed., 675–677, 683.
- Cosmetic allergy from stearic acid and glyceryl Contact Dermatitis, 01 Jul 1988, 19(1):77-78.
- Amended Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Glyceryl Dilaurate, Glyceryl Diarachidate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Glyceryl Dierucate, Glyceryl Dihydroxystearate, Glyceryl Diisopalmitate, Glyceryl Diisostearate, Glyceryl Dilinoleate, Glyceryl Dimyristate, Glyceryl Dioleate, Glyceryl Diricinoleate, Glyceryl Dipalmitate, Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate, Glyceryl Distearate, Glyceryl Palmitate Lactate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Stearate Lactate, and Glyceryl Stearate Succinate1. International Journal of Toxicology, 26(Suppl. 3):1–30,