GLYCOL DISTEARATE
Also known as: Glycol Distearate, ethylene glycol distearate, diethylene glycol distearate
Overview
Glycol Distearate is a synthetic ester formed by the reaction of ethylene glycol with stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid commonly found in animal and vegetable fats. It is primarily classified as a cosmetic ingredient and emollient rather than a nutritional supplement. Widely used in cosmetic and personal care products, its main applications include functioning as an opacifying agent, emollient, and thickener to improve product texture and appearance. It is known for imparting pearlescent effects in formulations and enhancing skin feel by providing a smooth, lubricious texture. While well-studied for its safety in topical applications, there is a complete lack of research regarding its use as a dietary supplement or oral agent. Safety assessments are based on toxicological data and human patch testing, with no clinical trials existing for systemic effects or supplementation.
Benefits
There are no documented systemic health benefits or nutritional effects of Glycol Distearate when considered as a supplement. Its benefits are exclusively limited to its properties as a cosmetic formulation ingredient, where it improves product aesthetics and skin feel. For instance, it provides a pearlescent appearance to products and acts as an emollient to enhance skin texture. There is no clinical evidence or scientific research to support any therapeutic or nutritional benefit from its ingestion, as it is not intended for oral consumption. All available evidence points to its utility solely within topical applications.
How it works
As a topical cosmetic ingredient, Glycol Distearate primarily acts physically by forming a film on the skin surface, which contributes to its emollient and moisturizing effects. Its interaction with body systems is minimal, as it primarily interacts with the skin barrier with very low systemic absorption. There are no known molecular targets identified for systemic biological activity. Oral absorption and metabolism have not been documented in humans, reinforcing its role as a surface-acting agent rather than an internally active compound.
Side effects
Glycol Distearate is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%, based on comprehensive safety reviews by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. No common (greater than 5%) or uncommon (1-5%) side effects have been reported in human studies. Specifically, repeated insult patch tests involving 125 subjects using a 50% concentration showed no evidence of skin irritation or sensitization. Rare adverse effects (less than 1%) have also not been documented. There are no reported drug interactions. Contraindications are generally limited to individuals with known allergies to stearates or glycol derivatives. While safety in children or pregnant women has not been specifically studied, it is presumed safe for topical use given its low systemic absorption and excellent safety profile in general dermatological applications. It is crucial to note that this safety profile applies only to topical use; its safety for ingestion has not been established and is not recommended.
Dosage
Glycol Distearate is not applicable as an oral supplement, and therefore, no dosing guidelines exist for ingestion. Its use is exclusively in cosmetic formulations, where concentrations typically range from less than 0.1% to 10%. These concentrations are determined by the desired aesthetic and textural properties of the final product, such as opacifying or thickening effects. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds for oral intake because it is not intended for internal consumption, and its systemic effects upon ingestion have not been studied.
FAQs
Is Glycol Distearate safe to ingest?
No, there is no evidence supporting oral use; it is intended for topical application only in cosmetic products. Its safety for ingestion has not been established.
Can it cause skin irritation?
Human studies show no irritation or sensitization at typical use concentrations in cosmetic products, indicating a good safety profile for topical application.
Does it provide nutritional benefits?
No, Glycol Distearate does not provide vitamins, minerals, or any other nutritional benefits. It is a cosmetic ingredient, not a dietary supplement.
Is it absorbed through the skin?
Minimal absorption occurs through the skin; systemic exposure is negligible, which contributes to its safety profile for topical use.
Research Sources
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/RR_Glycol%20Stearates.pdf – This comprehensive safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Glycol Distearate is safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 10%. The review included human repeated insult patch tests with 50% concentration, showing no irritation or sensitization in 125 subjects. Animal data indicated low acute toxicity, though subchronic toxicity data were limited. The report emphasized safety in topical use but did not address oral supplementation.
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/dialkyl_acid_esters.pdf – This report discussed analytical methods and metabolic fate of related glycol esters in animal models, showing rapid absorption and excretion when administered orally in rats. However, this data is not directly applicable to Glycol Distearate’s use as a supplement and does not support oral supplementation safety or efficacy, reinforcing its primary role in cosmetic applications.
