What Is Glyceryl Dilaurate?
Glyceryl Dilaurate is a plant-derived ingredient made by joining glycerin, a natural humectant found in many oils, with lauric acid, a fatty acid most often sourced from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. The result is a diester that looks like a soft wax or thick liquid at room temperature and blends easily with the skin’s own lipids.
Chemists began experimenting with fatty acid esters in the mid-20th century to make creams feel richer yet less greasy. Glyceryl Dilaurate stood out for its skin-friendly profile and versatility, so it quickly found a spot in everyday beauty formulas. It is produced through a simple esterification process: glycerin and lauric acid are heated together in the presence of a food-grade catalyst, then purified until any free acids or water are removed.
You will come across Glyceryl Dilaurate in all kinds of leave-on and rinse-off products such as face and body moisturizers, sunscreens, anti-aging creams, creamy cleansers, sheet mask serums, hair conditioners and even color cosmetics like foundations or creamy blush sticks. Its ability to improve texture while being gentle on skin makes it a go-to for formulators who want a smooth glide without heavy residue.
Glyceryl Dilaurate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker brings two key functions to a formula which in turn deliver several user-friendly perks.
- Emollient: Softens and smooths the skin surface so products feel silky on application. It helps fill in tiny cracks in the skin’s outer layer, leaving a supple afterfeel and reducing visible flakiness.
- Emulsifying: Acts as a bridge between water and oil, keeping them blended so a cream or lotion stays stable and uniform. That means no watery puddles or oily separation over time and a consistently even application with every use.
Who Can Use Glyceryl Dilaurate
Glyceryl Dilaurate suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and even sensitive skin because it mimics the skin’s own lipids and has a light, non-greasy feel. Very oily or acne-prone users usually tolerate it well but should still keep an eye on how their skin responds since every complexion is unique.
The ingredient is plant based when sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils, so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Those who avoid palm products for sustainability reasons may want to confirm the source with the brand.
No studies flag Glyceryl Dilaurate as unsafe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The ingredient has a long history of use in food and topical products, and it does not penetrate deeply enough to raise major concerns. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should let a doctor review their full routine for added peace of mind.
Glyceryl Dilaurate does not cause photosensitivity and will not make skin more reactive to the sun. It also plays well with typical actives like retinol, vitamin C and acids, so there are no special timing rules or layer restrictions to worry about.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Skin reactions to Glyceryl Dilaurate vary from person to person. The points below list possible issues, but most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used in a well-made formula.
- Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis for those with a glycerin or fatty acid sensitivity
- Clogged pores or small breakouts in individuals who react easily to richer emollients
- Exacerbation of existing eczema if the product also contains other irritants
If any discomfort, rash or breakout appears after applying a product with Glyceryl Dilaurate stop using it and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2/5. Glyceryl Dilaurate is a light fatty ester that mimics skin lipids and absorbs without leaving a thick film, so it poses a low risk of clogging pores. Because it still comes from lauric acid, it can add a slight occlusive layer, which may bug very oily or easily congested skin. Most acne-prone users find it acceptable, but its clogging potential can climb if the formula also contains heavier oils or waxes.
Summary
Glyceryl Dilaurate acts mainly as an emollient that fills in micro cracks for a soft feel and as an emulsifier that locks water and oil together so creams stay smooth. It pulls off this double duty thanks to its dual-natured structure, with glycerin loving water and lauric acid loving oil, giving formulas a silky glide without greasiness.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline star, yet it shows up in a surprising range of lotions, sunscreens, hair products and makeup sticks where texture matters. Brands favor it because it is plant derived, broadly skin friendly and easy to formulate with.
Toxicology reviews rate Glyceryl Dilaurate as safe at the levels used in cosmetics, with allergy or irritation reports being rare. As with any new product, give it a quick patch test first to make sure your skin agrees with the overall formula.