Common Name(s): Glyceryl montanate,glyceryl montanate,glyceryl montanate,montan wax glyceride
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Protects and conditions skin with a rich, waxy emollient barrier. ideal for lip care and balm formats where a firm, protective texture is needed.
Why It's Used: Glyceryl montanate is selected for its ultra-long-chain c28 montanate architecture — the c28 fatty acid chain length exceeds common c16–c18 fatty acid esters, providing enhanced occlusive barrier strength, superior crystalline wax structure for stick formulation hardness, and substantive skin-feel differentiation unavailable from shorter-chain glycerides.
How It Works: C28 montanate chain → ultra-long hydrocarbon tail → high crystallinity and elevated melting point (~80°c); glycerol ester → sc lipid compatibility; crystalline wax phase → occlusive barrier and stick hardness contribution.
Typically Found In: Lip care,balm sticks,rich creams,occlusive barrier products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier support,texture modifier
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Montan wax (lignite coal-derived) or plant-derived montanic acid; glycerol plant-derived. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; long-chain wax
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally non-sensitizing. well tolerated by dry and sensitive skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Waxes,butters,occlusive agents
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Montanic acid (c28) glycerides have markedly higher melting points (~80°c) than stearate (c18) analogues (~70°c) — the extended hydrocarbon tail increases van der waals packing energy proportionally with chain length, enabling harder wax structures at equivalent concentration.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,glyceryl montanate montan wax emollient review