
Used as an emulsifier in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food products.
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CAS Number
31566-31-1
HS Code
2915.70.30.00
Molecular Formula
C₂₁H₄₂O₄
INCI Name
Glycerol Monostearate (GMS)
Used as an emulsifier in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food products.
CAS Number
31566-31-1
INCI Name
Glycerol Monostearate (GMS)
HS Code
2915.70.30.00
Molecular Formula
C₂₁H₄₂O₄
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| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Odor | Faint odor |
| Density | 0.97 |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow wax-like solid |
| Refractive Index | 1.4400 (estimate) |
| Molecular Weight (G/Mol) | 358.6 |
| Density Or Specific Gravity | 0.97 |
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 410.96°C (rough estimate) |
| Melting Point | 78-81 °C |
Incorporate GMS into the oil phase and heat to fully melt and disperse it. This ensures proper emulsification and consistency in the final product. For more stable emulsions, pair GMS with co-emulsifiers like stearyl alcohol, stearic acid, or PEG derivatives to improve emulsion stability and skin feel.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| White Vaseline | 30% |
| Stearyl Alcohol | 10% |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate | 1% |
| Glycerol Monostearate | 2% |
| Propylene Glycol | 10% |
| Methyl Paraben | 0.2% |
| Citric Acid | 0.04% |
| Hydrocortisone butyrate propionate | 0.1% |
| Purified Water | Balance (~46.66%) |
Include GMS in the oil phase and heat to around 70–75°C during emulsification. Ensure it is fully melted before combining with the aqueous phase to form a stable emulsion.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Benzophenone-3 | 10% |
| Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate | 5% |
| Titanium Dioxide | 5% |
| Cetearyl Alcohol | 3.5% |
| Glycerol Monostearate | 3.5% |
| Ceteareth-25 | 1% |
| Isopropyl Palmitate | 1.5% |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | 1.5% |
| Polyethylene Glycol (PEG-40) | 1% |
| Ethyl Paraben | 0.5% |
| Deionized Water | 67.5% |
Incorporate GMS into the oil phase and heat to around 70–75°C to ensure it melts completely and blends uniformly during emulsification. Use alongside cationic surfactants and fatty alcohols to boost conditioning, slip, and detangling performance.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Sodium-DL-2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate (50% soln) | 5% |
| Glycerin | 5% |
| Protein (e.g. hydrolyzed) | 2.5% |
| Cetrimonium Chloride | 4.3% |
| Glycerol Monostearate | 1% |
| Promulgen D | 1% |
| Mineral Oil | 2% |
| Isopropyl Myristate | 2% |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 3.5% |
| Ethylene Glycol Monostearate | 2% |
| Perfume | 0.4% |
| Preservative | 0.2% |
| Water (to 100%) | ~71.1% |
Add GMS to the oil phase (with waxes, butters, and oils) and heat until fully melted and uniform before pouring into molds or containers. GMS adds a silky finish and forms a light protective barrier, improving moisture retention and overall lip feel without making the balm waxy or heavy.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 1.0% |
| Hydrocortisone acetate | 0.05% |
| Ethanol | 2.0% |
| Glycerol | 10.0% |
| Mannitol | 3.0% |
| Propylene glycol | 3.0% |
| Carbomer 934 | 0.3% |
| Potassium hydroxide | 0.1% |
| Methyl paraben | 0.1% |
| Cetanol | 2.5% |
| Vaseline (petrolatum) | 2.0% |
| Squalane | 10.0% |
| Isopropyl myristate | 5.0% |
| Glycerol Monostearate | 2.0% |
| POE-25 cetyl ether | 2.0% |
| Purified water | Balance (~57.95%) |
| Products | Authorized dosage % |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics (Creams, Lotions, Sunscreen) | 1.5–2.5% |
| Ointments (Pharma, Personal Care) | 2–5% |
Esterification of glycerol with stearic acid using acid/enzymatic catalyst (Yield: ~82–90%)
Esterification of glycerol with stearic acid using acid/enzymatic catalyst (Yield: ~82–90%) Raw Materials: Glycerol, stearic acid, catalyst (e.g., lipase or acid) Overall Formula: C₃H₅(OH)₃ + C₁₇H₃₅COOH → C₂₁H₄₂O₄ + H₂O
Esterification of glycerol with stearic acid using acid/enzymatic catalyst (Yield: ~82–90%)
Esterification of glycerol with stearic acid using acid/enzymatic catalyst (Yield: ~82–90%) Raw Materials: Glycerol, stearic acid, catalyst (e.g., lipase or acid) Overall Formula: C₃H₅(OH)₃ + C₁₇H₃₅COOH → C₂₁H₄₂O₄ + H₂O
| Region | Max Allowed Level | Notes | Certification Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | - | No explicit national restriction; aligns with international safety assessments and EU/CIR guidance. | - |
| China | - | Not listed as prohibited or restricted. | NMPA - National Medical Products Administration |
| Japan | - | No explicit national restriction; aligns with international safety standards and CIR recommendations. | MHLW – Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare |
| Korea, Republic of | - | No explicit national restriction, regulated under Cosmetic Products Act, aligns with international/CIR standards. | MFDS - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety |
| United States | - | FDA recognizes as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) | FDA |
| ASEAN | - | ASEAN Cosmetic Directive references international safety standards | - |
| European Union | - | Not specifically restricted. | SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) |
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