What Is Glyceryl tristearate?

Learn about the skin conditioning and viscosity-controlling characteristics of Glyceryl tristearate and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Glyceryl tristearate? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Glyceryl tristearate?

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Tristearin is a type of fat that is used in cosmetics to help condition the skin and control the thickness of a product. It comes in the form of a dry, colorless or white powder that has no smell. Tristearin is made up of three fatty acids attached to a molecule called glycerol. This type of fat is also known as triglyceride or triacylglycerol. There are different types of triglycerides depending on the specific fatty acid groups they contain.

What is the purpose of Glyceryl tristearate in personal care products? It is used for its skin conditioning and viscosity-controlling characteristics. Glyceryl tristearate moisturizes and strengthens skin and adjusts the thickness of a product.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Glyceryl tristearate, Tristearin, and Propane-1,2,3-triyl trioctadecanoate.

What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?

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Glyceryl tristearate has skin conditioning characteristics.

Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.

What Are Viscosity-Controlling Ingredients?

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Glyceryl tristearate has viscosity-controlling characteristics.

Viscosity-controlling ingredients increase or decrease the thickness of a product. These ingredients are essential in creating the desired texture and consistency for cosmetic products such as lotions, creams, and serums.

Increasing the viscosity of a cosmetic product can provide a thicker and more substantial texture, making it easier to apply and providing better coverage. On the other hand, decreasing the viscosity can create a lighter, more fluid consistency, allowing for quicker absorption into the skin.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.