Glyceryl distearate

Glyceryl distearate (CAS 1188-58-5), also known as glycerol distearate, is a diester of glycerol and stearic acid used as an emulsifier and rheology modifier across personal care, food, and industrial formulations.

It stabilizes oil-in-water and water-in-oil systems while contributing texture and consistency to finished products. In personal care, it functions as a co-emulsifier and thickener in creams, lotions, and body butters.

This ingredient helps to build viscosity and improve skin feel without heavy residue. Food manufacturers incorporate it as an emulsifier in fat-based systems, including confectionery coatings and bakery shortenings.

In these applications, it controls fat crystallization and improves product texture. In plastics processing, it acts as a lubricant and plasticizer that reduces melt viscosity and improves surface release during extrusion.

Coatings and adhesive formulators use it to modify rheology and improve substrate wetting in wax-based and hot-melt systems. Glyceryl distearate is supplied as a white to off-white waxy solid.

It is available in flake, bead, or powder form depending on the supplier and intended application. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are the most commonly traded for various global markets.

Technical-grade material is also available for industrial polymer and coatings applications. Purity grades typically align with FCC and Ph.Eur. standards for regulated end-use markets.