In our reference data, Glycol Distearate can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
Glycol Distearate is a diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid used primarily to impart a pearlescent or opaque appearance to cleansers and shampoos, while also providing mild emollient and thickening properties. It functions as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation possible in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated sensitization reports, often linked to fatty acid or impurity content. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging in rinse-off products if contact occurs. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.