GLYCEROL MONOSTEARATE

What is Glycerol Monostearate & Glyceryl Monostearate?

Glycerol monostearate (GMS, monostearin) is a monoglyceride formed by esterifying glycerol with stearic acid; it has both hydrophilic and lipophilic groups and acts as an emulsifier.

What is the CAS number of Glycerol Monostearate & Glyceryl Monostearate?

The CAS number of Glycerol Monostearate & Glyceryl Monostearate is 31566-31-1.

What is Glycerol Monostearate & Glyceryl Monostearate used for?

GMS is used in food as an emulsifier and stabilizer in bakery, dairy, and confectionery; in cosmetics and hair care; in pharmaceuticals as a coating and release agent; and as an anticaking and thickening agent. Venus Ethoxyethers manufactures and supplies in India; request a quote for your requirements.

Glycerol monostearate, also known as monostearin, is a monoglyceride widely used as an emulsifier in the food industry. Chemically, it is the monoglycerol ester of stearic acid, a long-chain saturated fatty acid. It is commonly produced by reacting glycerol with stearic acid, resulting in a compound that contains both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and lipophilic (fat-attracting) properties. This dual affinity makes it particularly effective in stabilizing emulsions, where oil and water components must remain uniformly mixed.

In food applications, glyceryl stearate functions as a thickening, emulsifying, anticaking, and preservative agent. It helps improve texture, extend shelf life, and maintain consistency in products such as baked goods, margarine, ice cream, and confectionery items. By preventing ingredients from separating, it enhances product stability and mouthfeel. Its anticaking properties also make it useful in powdered products, where it prevents clumping and ensures free-flowing characteristics.

Beyond the food industry, glyceryl stearate plays an important role in pharmaceuticals and industrial formulations. It serves as a solidifier and controlled-release agent in tablets and capsules, helping regulate the release rate of active ingredients in the body. Additionally, it acts as a resin lubricant and protective coating for hygroscopic powders, reducing moisture absorption and improving processing efficiency. Its stability and compatibility with various substances make it valuable in both medicinal and technical applications.

Glyceryl stearate is also extensively used in cosmetics and hair-care products. In creams, lotions, and conditioners, it functions as an emulsifying and stabilizing agent, contributing to a smooth texture and consistent formulation. It enhances the feel of products on the skin by creating a soft, lubricating effect and helping retain moisture. Typically appearing as a white, odorless, sweet-tasting flaky powder, glyceryl stearate is hygroscopic in nature, meaning it can absorb moisture from the environment. Its multifunctional properties and safety profile have made it a versatile and widely accepted ingredient across multiple industries.