Glyceryl monolaurate

Glyceryl monolaurate (CAS 142-18-7), commonly abbreviated as GML and also known as monolaurin, is a monoglyceride ester derived from lauric acid and glycerol. It functions as an emulsifier, surfactant, and moisturizing agent across food manufacturing and personal care formulation. In food processing, GML is used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in products such as margarine, shortenings, and baked goods. It also extends shelf life by controlling fat crystal structure, ensuring product consistency over time.

Personal care formulators incorporate it into lotions, creams, and cleansers for its dual role as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning humectant. In cosmetic systems, it modifies surface wetting behavior, improving spreadability and texture. This versatile ingredient is effective in both leave-on and rinse-off formats. It also functions as a lubricant in certain food-contact and industrial processing applications where a food-safe, lipid-based additive is required.

Glyceryl monolaurate is supplied as a white to off-white powder, flake, or waxy solid. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are the most commercially prevalent, ensuring safety and performance across diverse industries. Material often meets FCC or Ph. Eur. standards depending on the intended application. Purity grades typically range from technical to high-purity monoglyceride concentrations above 90% for specialized uses.