Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.
What it is
This emulsifier joins the amino acid glutamic acid to stearic acid. Amino-acid-derived surfactants are among the mildest classes available and are close in structure to materials the skin already handles, so they are favoured in sensitive-skin and natural-certified products.
What it does well
Emulsifies with a very low irritation profile
In cell-based screening, amino-acid-based surfactants were among the mildest categories tested, alongside non-ionic surfactants.
Moderate evidence
Where the EU stands
No specific restriction
No EU restriction on use or concentration in cosmetics.
Sources (1)
Every link goes to the original: a journal, a PubMed record or an EU document.
- [1]The Role of TRPV1 Channel in Cosmetic Safety Evaluation
ACS Omega · 2026 · doi:10.1021/acsomega.5c10830
Amino-acid-based and non-ionic surfactants were milder than anionic surfactants in a TRPV1-based skin irritation screen.
Masks that contain Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Balea
Tuchmaske Retinol
14th of 16 on the label
below ≈1%
Bullrich
Tuchmaske Heilerde+Zink
10th of 19 on the label
below ≈1%
DERMASEL
SPA Totes Meer Maske Peeling
9th of 16 on the label
LOGONA
Nourish Beruhigende Overnight Maske
18th of 53 on the label
below ≈1%
Luvos-Heilerde
Hydro Booster mit Clean Maske
39th of 63 on the label
Medicube
Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
24th of 24 on the label
below ≈1%
Santé Naturkosmetik
Pore Control Maske BHA
13th of 29 on the label
below ≈1%
Schaebens
Tuchmaske Tonerde
28th of 35 on the label
below ≈1%
SOME BY MI
Daily Retinol Intense Mask
19th of 62 on the label
below ≈1%
SUNDANCE
After Sun Gesichtsmaske
9th of 25 on the label
below ≈1%
Susanne Kaufmann
Glow Mask
14th of 45 on the label
Typology
Masque de Nuit Raffermissant P73 (Firming Night Mask)
11th of 24 on the label