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Functional / Support

Glyceryl Stearate SE

Often labeled as: Self-Emulsifying Wax

The foolproof, all-in-one cream base.

🛡️
Overall Safety Safe
👶
Pregnancy Safety Safe
🕳️
Comedogenic (0-5) 2 / 5
⚡
Irritancy (0-5) 0 / 5

🎯 At a Glance

Skin conditioning Texture improving

🔬 How It Actually Works

Glyceryl Stearate that has been modified with a small amount of potassium or sodium stearate to make it "Self-Emulsifying" (SE). It can mix oil and water entirely on its own.

💖 Why your skin loves it

Creates thick, highly stable, moisturizing creams and lotions effortlessly.

💡 Pro Tip

A massive staple in DIY and mass-market skincare formulations.

⚖️ Myth vs. Fact

The Myth

It dries the skin out.

The Science

It is a lipid-based emulsifier that actively conditions and moisturizes the skin.

🧪 The Mixology Guide

Skincare is chemistry. Here is how Glyceryl Stearate SE interacts with other active ingredients on your shelf.

No major synergies or conflicts logged yet. It plays well generally!

🤓 Geeky Details

Origin Plant-derived / Synthetic
pH Environment Highly Alkaline if unbuffered

🧴 Formulations featuring Glyceryl Stearate SE

★ 8.0
Tea Tree Oil & Acne Control Cleanser
Aiken
Tea Tree Oil & Acne Control Cleanser
Cleanser

A highly traditional, heavy-duty saponified foam cleanser. Relying on a matrix of Myristic, Stearic, and Lauric acids neutralized by Potassium Hydroxide, it creates a massive, dense lather that forcefully strips away stubborn afternoon oil. While highly effective at cutting through intense grease, this alkaline base temporarily raises the skins natural pH. It includes Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) and Salicylic Acid as active acne fighters, making it suitable for thick, robust, hyper-oily teenage profiles.
★ 8.0
Vita-C Bright Facial Cleanser
Aiken
Vita-C Bright Facial Cleanser
Cleanser

A highly traditional, heavy-duty saponified foam cleanser geared toward brightening. Relying on a matrix of Myristic, Stearic, and Lauric acids neutralized by Potassium Hydroxide, it creates a massive, dense lather that forcefully strips away stubborn afternoon oil. While highly effective at cutting through intense grease, this alkaline base temporarily raises the skins natural pH. It includes Ascorbyl Glucoside for brightening and Tea Tree for acne defense, making it suitable for thick, robust, hyper-oily profiles.
★ 8.6
BHA PHA Pore Refining Cleanser
Aiken
BHA PHA Pore Refining Cleanser
Cleanser

A traditional, heavy-duty saponified foaming cleanser designed to tackle stubborn congestion. It relies on a matrix of Myristic, Stearic, and Lauric acids neutralized by Potassium Hydroxide to create a massive, dense lather. The addition of Gluconolactone (PHA) and Salicylic Acid (BHA) provides mild chemical exfoliation during the wash phase, successfully dissolving oxidized sebum plugs for combination to oily skin phenotypes.
★ 8.8
BHA PHA Brightening & Pore Refining Clay Mask
Aiken
BHA PHA Brightening & Pore Refining Clay Mask
Treatment

A deeply purifying kaolin clay mask designed for severe congestion. It operates by utilizing physical clay absorption to draw out excess sebum while delivering BHA and PHA directly into the pore structure. This dual-action approach dissolves hardened blackheads completely. Because it contains Kaolin, it will dry down and tighten on the face, requiring a thorough wash after 10 minutes.
★ 8.2
🧴
Aiken
Prebiotic Hydra Plus Facial Foam
Cleanser

The traditional foaming counterpart to the popular Prebiotic Gel Cleanser. Unlike the sulfate-free gel, this foam uses an alkaline saponified base of Myristic and Stearic acids to produce a structured, cushiony lather. While it delivers the beloved prebiotic saccharides and fermented rice water to feed beneficial bacteria, the physical wash vehicle is highly purifying and is best suited for combination to oily skin maps needing thorough grease clearing safely.