glyceryl stearate se
what it is
An emulsifier made from glycerin and stearic acid — INCI name Glyceryl Stearate SE. The SE stands for self-emulsifying: the material includes a small fraction of stearate salts, which lets it form an emulsion without outside help.
why we use it
It binds the oil and water phases of feather and cloud into a stable cream, and contributes a little body and a soft, non-waxy finish. It works alongside cetearyl alcohol; the pair is one of the oldest and most predictable systems in formulation.
where you'll find it
In feather at 1.20% and in cloud at 1.50%.
evidence
Functional — emulsion stability, verified through heat and time testing on every formula before we lock it.
safety
Built from skin-familiar lipids and assessed as safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel; mild, with a long history in leave-on products.