What it is
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is an ester formed from glycerin, stearic acid, and citric acid bonded together through esterification. Its structure carries both oil-loving and water-loving parts, which lets it act as an emulsifier that combines the water and oil phases of a formula into a stable cream or lotion. It also functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, helping the finished product feel soft and smooth on skin. It is essentially a citric-acid-modified relative of glyceryl stearate.
Safety & warnings
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is regarded as a well-established, mild emulsifier and is widely used in moisturizers and lotions across both budget and premium brands. It has no prominent irritation or sensitization profile in typical cosmetic use, making it broadly suitable, including for everyday leave-on products.
Origin & sourcing
It is made synthetically by esterifying glycerin with stearic acid and citric acid; these starting materials are commonly sourced from vegetable oils and fermentation, giving an ingredient often used in plant-derived emulsifier systems.
Questions everyone asks
What does Glyceryl Stearate Citrate do?
It is mainly an emulsifier, binding the water and oil parts of a formula so a cream or lotion stays smooth and uniform, and it also softens skin.
Is it the same as glyceryl stearate?
It is closely related but has a citric acid molecule attached to the glycerin, which gives it somewhat different properties as an emulsifier.
Is Glyceryl Stearate Citrate plant-based?
It can be. Its building blocks (glycerin, stearic acid, citric acid) are commonly derived from vegetable sources, though that depends on the supplier.