Abstract
Glyceryl Stearate and Glyceryl Stearate/SE are the esterification products of glycerine and stearic acid, and are used in cosmetic formulations as emollients, emulsifiers, and stabilizers. In acute oral toxicity studies in rats, both ingredients were slightly toxic. Glyceryl Stearate in the diet of rats for three consecutive generations had no adverse effects. Five percent Glyceryl Stearate did not promote the carcinogenicity of DMBA in mouse skin. In subchronic and chronic dermal toxicity tests, Glyceryl Stearate was nontoxic to rabbits but did cause moderate irritation. Primary eye irritation studies, at concentrations up to 100%, were mildly irritating or nonirritating to rabbits. Single and Repeated Insult Patch Tests showed both ingredients to be nonsensitizing and nonirritating. Products containing 2% Glyceryl Stearate were nonphototoxic and nonphotoallergenic. On the basis of the available data, it is concluded that Glyceryl Stearate and Glyceryl Stearate/SE are safe for topical application to humans in the present practices of use and concentration.