Glycerol monolactate

Glycerol monolactate (CAS 26855-41-4), also known as glyceryl lactate, is an ester formed from glycerol and lactic acid used across food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. It functions primarily as a humectant, mild acidulant, and carrier solvent in finished formulations.

In food production, it acts as a moisture-retaining agent and mild flavoring component in baked goods, dairy products, and processed foods where controlled acidity and texture stability are required. Cosmetic formulators incorporate it into skin care preparations.

These preparations include creams, lotions, and serums where its humectant properties help bind moisture to the skin matrix and improve product spreadability. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as a solvent and carrier for active ingredients.

It is utilized in topical and oral formulations, offering compatibility with both aqueous and lipid-based systems. Its dual alcohol-acid functionality also makes it useful as a co-solvent in flavor delivery systems and encapsulation applications.

Glycerol monolactate is typically supplied as a clear to pale yellow liquid. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are the most commonly available, with material sourced to meet relevant purity standards for each application sector.

The material is manufactured to meet high quality standards such as FCC, USP, Ph.Eur., BP, EP, or ACS depending on the specific grade required. Packaging options generally range from drums to intermediate bulk containers.