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Functional / Support

Glycol Distearate

Often labeled as: Pearlescent Thickener

The ingredient that makes soap look pearly.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ
Overall Safety Safe
๐Ÿ‘ถ
Pregnancy Safety Safe
๐Ÿ•ณ๏ธ
Comedogenic (0-5) 1 / 5
โšก
Irritancy (0-5) 0 / 5

๐Ÿ”ฌ How It Actually Works

A synthetic ester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid. While it acts as a mild skin conditioner and thickener, it is primarily famous for giving shampoos and body washes their beautiful, opaque, pearlescent shimmer.

๐Ÿ’– Why your skin loves it

Provides an elegant, pearl-like visual effect and mildly conditions the skin/hair.

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip

Used purely for its visual and sensory-enhancing properties.

โš–๏ธ Myth vs. Fact

The Myth

It is a harsh cleansing sulfate.

The Science

It is a lipid ester; it conditions the skin rather than acting as a stripping detergent.

๐Ÿงด Formulations featuring Glycol Distearate

โ˜… 8.2
5x Ceramide Bright & Vitamin C Facial Cleanser
Aiken
5x Ceramide Bright & Vitamin C Facial Cleanser
Cleanser

A heavily saponified, rich cream-to-foam wash. By combining a Ceramide complex with Vitamin C, it attempts to bridge the gap between heavy alkaline cleansing and barrier support. The inclusion of Myristic, Lauric, and Stearic acids provides a dense, squeaky-clean lather that obliterates heavy oils, making it better suited for robust, oily skin rather than the dry profiles it often targets safely.

โ˜… 8.0
๐Ÿงด
Aiken
Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleanser
Cleanser

The absolute classic anti-acne foaming wash. It relies on a heavy saponified fatty acid matrix consisting of Myristic, Stearic, Palmitic, and Lauric acids neutralized by Potassium Hydroxide. This composition creates a massive, ultra-dense cloud of lather that forcefully strips away heavy grease sheets and oxidized sebum blocks. The addition of pure Australian Tea Tree Oil establishes an immediate antibacterial baseline to combat acne nodes.

โ˜… 8.2
Prebiotic Deep Cleansing & Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Aiken
Prebiotic Deep Cleansing & Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Cleanser

A thoroughly traditional saponified foam cleanser upgraded with a modern prebiotic complex. It utilizes a heavy matrix of Stearic, Myristic, and Lauric acids neutralized by Potassium Hydroxide to create a massive, shaving-cream style lather that obliterates heavy oils. It features Alpha-Glucan and Lactobacillus to support the skin microbiome. While excellent for robust, hyper-oily skin, the alkaline pH will temporarily breach delicate acidic moisture mantles despite the hydrating claims.

โ˜… 8.2
Niacinamide Bright Anti Spot Brightening Facial Cleanser
Aiken
Niacinamide Bright Anti Spot Brightening Facial Cleanser
Cleanser

A highly purifying, saponified cream-to-foam cleanser upgraded with a modern brightening complex. It utilizes a heavy matrix of Myristic, Stearic, and Lauric acids neutralized by Potassium Hydroxide to create a massive, shaving-cream style lather that obliterates heavy oils. It features Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, and Ascorbyl Glucoside to brighten the complexion and clear congestion during the wash phase. While excellent for robust, hyper-oily skin, the alkaline pH will temporarily breach delicate acidic moisture mantles.