Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate sits in the class of amino acid-based surfactants, often showing up in ingredient lists for skincare and personal care products. It emerges from the reaction between stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid, and glutamic acid, which is a naturally occurring amino acid. Its structure puts together a long-chain fatty acid and an amino acid, bringing a hydrophilic and hydrophobic combination that matters for product texture and stability. If you’re accustomed to analysing product labels, this chemical tends to go by several formats, but it’s always rooted in the same essential composition: C24H46NNaO5.
Manufacturers offer Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate in formats like white to off-white powder, translucent flakes, small pearls and sometimes even fine crystalline material. Based on its physical state, users will notice differences in how quickly it dissolves in water or blends with oil phases. For example, powder seeps into liquid mixes faster than flakes. Those working with ingredients in cosmetic labs will find that density ranges from about 0.25 to 0.35 g/cm³, low enough to sift easily without clogging automatic feeders or batch mixers. Pearls and flakes often end up in cold process formulations that call for a gentle hand when moving from solid to liquid phase. In industrial supply, it shows up in bags or drums, each batch following tight specification sheets to meet safety and performance benchmarks.
The chemical backbone centers on a sodium salt of stearoyl glutamic acid. C24H46NNaO5 captures the way stearic acid’s long hydrocarbon chain attaches to the glutamate base, with sodium balancing the charge. On a structural level, this combination allows the molecule to interact both with oil-soluble and water-soluble materials, giving it importance in emulsification processes. Its molecular weight sits near 451.62 g/mol. This size means it creates stable boundaries at the oil and water interface, bridging two worlds that don’t naturally mix. A look under the microscope usually reveals an amorphous crystal pattern in powders and small plate-like shapes in flakes; these characteristics affect not only appearance but also how fast the substance can hydrate or disperse in a solution.
Those formulating emulsions, lotions, and facial cleansers care about several central properties. Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate acts as both an emulsifier and a skin conditioning agent. By securing droplets of oil in water-based solutions, it improves the stability of creams and lotions without leaving a filmy residue. The surfactant qualities help cleansers remove dirt and excess sebum from the skin without stripping away the natural moisture barrier. Retail buyers or bulk users won’t find any strong odour or colour, so it doesn’t change the sensory experience of a product. Boiling point and melting range tend to hover around 145–150°C for most supplied grades, a temperature sweet-spot that supports both cold and hot process cosmetic manufacturing. Solubility remains low in pure water but rises as temperature increases or in solutions with higher pH, which shapes how manufacturers build their ingredient list for stability and shelf-life.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate’s profile generally ranks as safe for both direct skin contact and in rinse-off products, according to several international safety boards (including the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and EU regulations). As a raw material, it rarely triggers irritation or allergy, provided it stays within recommended concentrations (usually below 2% in most finished goods). Direct inhalation of airborne powder should be avoided; working with it in well-ventilated production areas prevents accidental exposure to dust. Standard personal protective equipment such as gloves and dust masks take care of routine handling precautions. Importers and bulk packagers follow the HS Code 29224220, which falls under the larger group of amino-acid surfactants, and customs authorities track shipments using this identifier. Despite being safe in normal use, the material does not belong in food or drug applications without specific testing and regulatory clearance. Strong acids and alkalis react with it, changing the material’s properties and possibly reducing performance in some formulas.
Every batch of Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate starts life with two ingredients: stearic acid (often sourced from vegetable oils like palm or coconut) and glutamic acid (usually fermented from plant-based materials such as corn or sugar beets). Chemical suppliers ensure the raw material chain is clear from contamination; purity levels must reach pharmaceutical or cosmetic grade before shipment. Key specifications most buyers request include content of active ingredient, pH of a 10% solution (typically between 5.0 to 6.5), moisture below 5%, and a very low count of heavy metal contaminants.
In the lab, a solid bulk density around 0.25–0.35 g/cm³ means Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate pours without clumping and stores well in climate-controlled rooms. Suspensions or solutions show a slight cloudiness that clears up as material dissolves. If left standing, no precipitation appears for at least several weeks, which points to its good suspension stability. Solubility peaks as temperature rises, so hot water mixes always absorb the material faster than cold ones. For liquid products, it holds up well at normal pH and does not degrade quickly, extending shelf-life and reducing the risk of rancidity compared to unprotected fatty acids.
In typical cosmetic, detergent, and personal care applications, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate does not raise flags for toxicity or long-term harm. Most of the risks lie in bulk handling during manufacturing or filling, where dust or accidental spills could cause skin or respiratory irritation if exposure is uncontrolled. Regulatory databases such as the European Chemicals Agency and international shipping guidelines do not flag Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate as hazardous when transported in finished created and sealed forms. Material Safety Data Sheet entries urge basic hygiene and dust control, matching common practice for most powered surfactants and emulsifiers.
Sustainability begins with the raw materials. Responsible producers rely on plant sources for both stearic and glutamic acid segments. This focus on renewables appeals to brands and buyers seeking to minimise environmental footprint. Some suppliers offer palm oil-free alternatives or commit to Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified supply chains. Tracking every stage, from field to finished material, reduces the risk of contamination, supports transparency, and builds trust in the supply. Traceability links to all QC reports, making it easier for auditors and buyers to confirm compliance with safety standards and regulations.
Face creams, serums, foundation, baby washes, and shampoos all use Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate to increase product stability and enhance sensory feel. Specification sheets from reputable manufacturers display content analysis, solubility index, moisture measurement, pH, particle size (ranging from ultra-fine powder at under 200 microns to coarser flakes or pearls at up to 2mm.), and instructions for storage. Most ask for cool, dry, sealed environments with minimal exposure to air and light, which helps keep free acid levels low and avoid caking or clumping especially during long shipment. In the field, cosmetic chemists rely on these details to inform their process decisions and to meet growing demand for ingredient transparency.
Ongoing research from universities and ingredient companies pushes for raw materials with smaller environmental impact, focusing on fermentation and green chemistry methods. Increased demand for biodegradable, low-toxicity substances motivates some producers to retool their manufacturing lines and source raw materials from crops managed with fewer pesticides. Trade associations and third-party certification bodies monitor compliance with both national and international rules, flagging products that do not meet safety or purity markers. The industry shows momentum towards audited, responsibly sourced, and highly traceable Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, supporting a shift not just to safer products, but to better environmental outcomes along the supply chain.
