Glyceryl monostearate

Glyceryl monostearate (CAS 31566-31-1), also known as GMS or Monostearin, is a monoglyceride ester.

Where is Glyceryl monostearate used?

• Food: controls starch retrogradation in baked goods, improves texture in margarine and ice cream, maintains structural integrity in pasta
• Personal care: stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in creams and lotions
• Pharmaceuticals: matrix former in sustained-release tablets, plasticizer in film coatings
• Plastics: internal lubricant and antistatic agent that reduces extrusion friction and improves polyolefin surface finish
• It functions primarily as an emulsifier and rheology modifier.
• In suppository formulations it can harden the mass and adjust the melting point.
• In plastics it acts as an anti-fog agent in films, an anti-drip agent, an antistatic additive and a processing lubricant.
• In pharmaceuticals it is used as a solidifier and controlled release agent.
• In protein beverages it prevents fat from rising to the surface and protein from settling, improving product stability.

Formulation notes

• Insoluble in water and requires surfactant support to be dispersed in water.
• Distilled monoglyceride and standard glyceryl monostearate share the same regulatory label 'mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids' and are often listed as interchangeable options in supplier catalogs.
• Glyceryl stearate is a mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-glycerides of stearic acid, making it a more complex emulsifier than glyceryl monostearate.

Typical specification

• Saponification value 160-175 mg KOH/gm.
• Food grade or pharmaceutical grade standards are available on the market.
• Supplied in liquid, powder and granular forms.

Regulatory status

• Has the food additive code E471.
• Has JECFA Flavor Number 918.
• Has FEMA number 2527.
• US FDA and EFSA have recognized glyceryl monostearate as safe for consumption.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and direct sunlight, in closed packaging.
• Exposure to moisture can lead to hydrolysis, breaking down the ester bond and forming free fatty acids and glycerol, which negatively impacts performance.
• Exposure to high temperatures can cause melting and clumping, affecting emulsifying properties.

Frequently asked questions about Glyceryl monostearate

How does glyceryl monostearate function in tablet manufacturing?

It helps tablets release smoothly from molds and can improve powder flow during processing.

What role does glyceryl monostearate play in confectionery such as chocolate and candies?

It acts as a crystal modifier, controlling fat crystallization to improve texture, gloss and snap.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.