Monolaurin

Monolaurin (CAS 27215-38-9), also known as GML, is a monoglyceride ester derived from lauric acid and glycerol. It is commercially available under trade names including Aldo MLD, Tegin L 90, and TS 14B. No E-code designation applies to monolaurin in European food additive legislation.

In food and personal care formulations, monolaurin functions as an emulsifier by reducing interfacial tension between oil and water phases, enabling stable blends. It also exhibits antimicrobial activity by disrupting lipid membranes of gram-positive bacteria and enveloped viruses, making it relevant in preservation systems for both rinse-off cosmetics and food-grade applications.

Monolaurin is supplied in food-grade and cosmetic-grade forms, typically as a cream-colored paste meeting FCC or equivalent purity standards. It falls under REACH registration requirements for EU market access. Packaging formats vary by supplier, commonly including drums and intermediate bulk containers.