Ingredient review
Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate
INCI: DIISOSTEARYL LAUROYL GLUTAMATE
A mild, amino-acid-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.
In plain English
Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate is a gentle ingredient that helps mix oil and water in skincare products like moisturizers and sunscreens. It is made from glutamic acid (an amino acid) and fatty acids, so it is very mild on the skin. It also helps condition the skin, making it feel soft and smooth without being greasy.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Easy yes for most routines
Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate is a semi-synthetic compound created by combining glutamic acid (an amino acid naturally found in the skin) with lauric acid and isostearyl alcohol (both derived from plant oils). It functions primarily as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
How it works
As an emulsifier, it reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable, creamy texture. Its amino-acid backbone makes it compatible with the skin's natural structure, helping it to condition and soften the skin without stripping or irritation.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Because it is based on an amino acid, it is much milder than many traditional emulsifiers, making it ideal for sensitive skin and daily use.
Improves skin feel
It leaves a soft, non-greasy after-feel on the skin, which enhances the sensory experience of creams and lotions.
Cons and cautions
Higher cost
As a specialty amino-acid-based emulsifier, it is more expensive than common alternatives, which can increase the price of the final product.
Limited formulation range
It works best in oil-in-water emulsions and may require co-emulsifiers for very low-oil or high-water formulas.
Best for
- Anyone looking for a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer or sunscreen
- People with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin
Use caution if
- Those with a known allergy to any component (very rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate is considered very safe for cosmetic use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in the scientific literature.
Research notes
Research on this specific ingredient is limited, but it is structurally similar to other amino-acid-based emulsifiers that have been well-studied and found to be mild and safe. Its safety is supported by its widespread use in sensitive-skin formulations.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, USA, and most other regions. No known restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Foundations, Lipsticks, Creams and lotions
- Environmental note
- Derived from plant-based fatty acids and amino acids, it is biodegradable and considered more environmentally friendly than some petroleum-based emulsifiers.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed near the middle or end of an ingredient list because it is used at low concentrations.
- It is considered a 'green' emulsifier because it is biodegradable and derived from renewable plant sources.
Common questions
What is Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate in beauty products?
Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate is a gentle ingredient that helps mix oil and water in skincare products like moisturizers and sunscreens. It is made from glutamic acid (an amino acid) and fatty acids, so it is very mild on the skin. It also helps condition the skin, making it feel soft and smooth without being greasy.
What does Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate do in a beauty product?
As an emulsifier, it reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable, creamy texture. Its amino-acid backbone makes it compatible with the skin's natural structure, helping it to condition and soften the skin without stripping or irritation.
Is Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate safe for most people?
Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate is considered very safe for cosmetic use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in the scientific literature.
Who should be careful with Diisostearyl Lauroyl Glutamate?
Those with a known allergy to any component (very rare)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.