Glycol Distearate — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: GLYCOL DISTEARATE
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 627-83-8
- Category
- emollient
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- shampoo, body wash
Is Glycol Distearate safe in cosmetics?
Glycol Distearate is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Safer alternatives include Squalane, Jojoba Oil. Commonly found in shampoo, body wash.
What is Glycol Distearate?
Pearlizing agent that gives shampoos and body washes their shimmery appearance.
Allergy & Safety Information
Glycol Distearate is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
About Emollient Ingredients
Emollients soften and smooth skin by filling gaps between skin cells and reducing transepidermal water loss. They form the backbone of most moisturisers, creams, and lotions. Most emollients are well-tolerated, but some — particularly plant-derived oils — contain proteins or compounds that can cause reactions in sensitised individuals.
Relevance for Glycol Distearate: Emollients derived from nuts (shea butter, macadamia oil), latex cross-reactive fruits (avocado oil), or highly fragrant plants (rosehip, sea buckthorn) carry higher allergenicity than refined synthetic emollients like squalane or dimethicone.
How to Identify Glycol Distearate in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Glycol Distearate, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Shampoo, Body wash. These product categories are the most common sources of Glycol Distearate exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Glycol Distearate? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Glycol Distearate and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glycol Distearate safe for sensitive skin?
Glycol Distearate is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin.
What products contain Glycol Distearate?
Glycol Distearate is commonly found in shampoo, body wash.
What does Glycol Distearate do in cosmetics?
Glycol Distearate functions as a emollient in formulations.
Related Guides
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Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Glycol Distearate causing YOUR skin reactions?
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