Glycol monostearate

Glycol monostearate (CAS 111-60-4), also sold as ethylene glycol monostearate or glycol stearate, is a fatty acid ester used across personal care, food, and industrial formulations.

It functions primarily as an emulsifier, opacifier, and rheology modifier, giving formulators control over texture, appearance, and product stability in various applications.

In personal care, it is the go-to opacifying agent in shampoos, conditioners, and body washes, producing the characteristic pearlescent sheen consumers associate with premium products.

Food manufacturers use it as an emulsifier in baked goods and confectionery coatings, where it improves fat distribution and extends shelf texture for better consumer experiences.

Pharmaceutical formulators incorporate it into topical creams and ointments to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and adjust viscosity according to strict USP or BP standards.

In plastics processing, it acts as a plasticizer and internal lubricant, improving flow and reducing brittleness in polymer compounds during the manufacturing and extrusion process.

The material is supplied as white flakes or beads, with flake form being the most common for industrial and cosmetic use. Standard grades include food-grade and cosmetic-grade.

Purity is typically at 90% minimum, though higher-purity pharmaceutical grades are also available. Bulk supply is standard in 25 kg bags or fiber drums for global distribution.