Because an ingredient sounds of unnatural origin does not necessarily mean it is. Take glycerol and sucrose stearate for example; these are emulsifiers that we use to assure that our formulations stay together at the molecular level. Emulsifiers keep oils and water blended in an emulsion (in products like lotions). Without emulsifiers, oil and water would separate into layers. Emulsifiers surround oil particles, allowing them to remain evenly distributed throughout the water. They can also act as thickening agents giving cosmetics their distinctive feel and form.