Ingredient review
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
INCI: Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.
In plain English
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate is a gentle cleansing ingredient made from glutamic acid (an amino acid) and stearic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut or palm oil). Unlike harsh sulfates that can strip the skin of its natural oils, this ingredient cleanses by helping water and oil mix so dirt and makeup can be rinsed away. It leaves skin feeling soft rather than tight or dry, and it's often used in sulfate-free and sensitive-skin-friendly formulas.
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
Disodium Stearoyl 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 Disodium Stearoyl 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
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate is a semi-synthetic surfactant and emulsifier. It is produced by combining glutamic acid (an amino acid) with stearic acid (a fatty acid), resulting in a molecule that can attract both water and oil. This makes it effective at lifting dirt and oil from the skin while being very gentle.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil. When you apply a cleanser containing it, the molecule surrounds oil and dirt particles, allowing them to be suspended in water and rinsed away. Because it is derived from amino acids, it has a pH close to that of healthy skin (around 5.5), so it cleanses without disrupting the skin's protective barrier.
Pros
Ultra-gentle cleansing
Derived from amino acids, it cleanses without stripping the skin's natural oils, reducing the risk of dryness and irritation.
pH-friendly
It works at a pH close to the skin's natural level (around 5.5), helping to maintain a healthy acid mantle and barrier function.
Cons and cautions
Lower foam volume
Compared to sulfates, it produces less foam, which may not satisfy users who equate foam with cleansing power.
Higher cost
As a specialty amino-acid surfactant, it can be more expensive to formulate with, which may be reflected in the product price.
Best for
- People with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin who need a non-stripping cleanser
- Anyone looking to switch to a sulfate-free cleansing routine
Use caution if
- Those who prefer a high-foam, squeaky-clean feel may find this too mild
Usage tips
Safety summary
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate is considered very safe for cosmetic use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in scientific literature.
Research notes
Research supports that amino-acid-based surfactants like Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate are significantly milder than traditional anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate). Studies show they cause less protein denaturation and lipid extraction from the skin, preserving barrier integrity.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the U.S. FDA and the European Commission. No known restrictions at typical usage levels.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Moisturizers, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- This ingredient is biodegradable and derived from renewable plant sources, making it a more sustainable choice compared to petroleum-based surfactants.
Good to know
- Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate is often found in 'low-pH' cleansers designed to respect the skin's natural barrier.
- It is biodegradable and considered a greener alternative to harsher surfactants.
Common questions
What is Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate in beauty products?
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate is a gentle cleansing ingredient made from glutamic acid (an amino acid) and stearic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut or palm oil). Unlike harsh sulfates that can strip the skin of its natural oils, this ingredient cleanses by helping water and oil mix so dirt and makeup can be rinsed away. It leaves skin feeling soft rather than tight or dry, and it's often used in sulfate-free and sensitive-skin-friendly formulas.
What does Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil. When you apply a cleanser containing it, the molecule surrounds oil and dirt particles, allowing them to be suspended in water and rinsed away. Because it is derived from amino acids, it has a pH close to that of healthy skin (around 5.5), so it cleanses without disrupting the skin's protective barrier.
Is Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate safe for most people?
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate is considered very safe for cosmetic use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in scientific literature.
Who should be careful with Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate?
Those who prefer a high-foam, squeaky-clean feel may find this too mild
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.