Sodium stearoyl glutamate

Sodium stearoyl glutamate (CAS 38517-23-6) is an amino acid-based surfactant derived from stearic acid and glutamic acid. It functions as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent across food and personal care applications. This versatile ingredient offers mild, biodegradable surface activity suited to formulations targeting sensitive skin or clean-label positioning. In personal care, it stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in creams, lotions, and sunscreens.

The compound improves skin feel and spreadability in various topical applications. Cleansing formulations, including facial washes and micellar products, use it for its gentle wetting and degreasing action without disrupting the skin barrier. In food manufacturing, it acts as an emulsifier in processed foods, improving fat dispersion and texture consistency in baked goods and margarine. It is highly valued for its ability to maintain stability in complex mixtures.

Cosmetic formulators also incorporate it into powder-based products, where it modifies surface tension to enhance pigment dispersion and adhesion. This ensures a uniform application and long-lasting finish for the end user. Sodium stearoyl glutamate is supplied as a white to off-white powder or fine flakes. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are both commercially available to meet specific industry requirements and safety protocols.

Food-grade material conforms to relevant purity standards for use as a direct food additive. Typical commercial offerings are standardized for active content and pH compatibility across a broad range of formulation systems.