What it is
Disodium stearoyl glutamate is an anionic acylglutamate made by combining the amino acid glutamic acid with stearic acid and neutralizing with sodium. It is valued in sunscreens and other emulsions for stabilizing oil-in-water systems and providing a gentle, low-irritation feel. Acylglutamate surfactants are widely used in formulations marketed as mild because of their good skin compatibility.
Safety & warnings
Acylglutamate surfactants such as disodium stearoyl glutamate are generally well tolerated and regarded as mild, with low irritation potential at use levels. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic, but built from naturally occurring building blocks: glutamic acid (an amino acid) and stearic acid (a fatty acid that can be sourced from plant or animal fats), neutralized with sodium.
Questions everyone asks
What does disodium stearoyl glutamate do in a sunscreen?
It acts mainly as an emulsifier, helping the oil and water phases blend into a stable cream or lotion, and can also contribute mild cleansing properties.
Is disodium stearoyl glutamate considered gentle?
Amino-acid-derived surfactants of this type are generally regarded as mild and well tolerated, which is why they appear in formulas positioned as gentle.