Glycols & Polyols Available — Bulk Only

Glyceryl Monostearate SE (GMS)

CAS 123-94-4 · Formula C21H42O4 · MW 358.6 g/mol

Acid-tolerant self-emulsifying monostearate that builds body and stability in a single addition. Used as a primary O/W emulsifier, opacifier, and consistency agent in cosmetic emulsions, and as an emulsifier and release aid in food and industrial applications.

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HS Code
3824.99
At a Glance
Material Family
Glycols & Polyols
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Moisture Control · Solvency
Solubility
insoluble in water; soluble in hot oils, organic solvents
Applications & Use Cases
  • Primary emulsifier: Self-emulsifying O/W base for creams and lotions
  • Consistency agent: Viscosity and opacity builder in emulsions
  • Food processing: Emulsifier and firming/anti-staling aid
  • Release aid: Anti-stick and lubricating processing additive
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Dry powder, liquid, solid, or crystals
Solubility
insoluble in water; soluble in hot oils, organic solvents
Density
0.97 @25 °C
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
3824 . 99
Chapter 38
Miscellaneous chemical products
Heading 38.24
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 3824.99
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
123-94-4
Molecular Formula
C21H42O4
Molecular Weight
358.6 g/mol
IUPAC Name
2,3-dihydroxypropyl octadecanoate
PubChem CID
InChI Key
VBICKXHEKHSIBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
Glyceryl monostearate Monostearin Glycerin 1-monostearate Glycerin 1-stearate Stearin, 1-mono- Stearic acid 1-monoglyceride 1-Glyceryl stearate alpha-Monostearin Glyceryl 1-monostearate Stearoylglycerol Glycerin monostearate 3-Stearoyloxy-1,2-propanediol Glycerol alpha-monostearate Cerasynt SD Monoglyceryl stearate Cefatin Dermagine Monelgin Sedetine
Full Description

Self-emulsifying grade of glyceryl monostearate (mono-ester of stearic acid, CAS 123-94-4, C21H42O4) containing a small fraction of anionic surfactant for spontaneous emulsification. Used as a primary O/W emulsifier, opacifier, and consistency agent in cosmetic emulsions, and as an emulsifier and release aid in food and industrial applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between GMS and GMS SE?

GMS is plain glyceryl monostearate; GMS SE is a self-emulsifying grade that contains a small fraction of anionic surfactant to enable spontaneous O/W emulsification. The SE grade acts as a primary emulsifier, whereas non-SE GMS is typically a co-emulsifier or consistency agent. Both share CAS 123-94-4 for the base ester.

What is glyceryl monostearate SE used for?

It is used as a primary self-emulsifying O/W base for creams and lotions, a viscosity and opacity builder in emulsions, an emulsifier and anti-staling/firming aid in food processing, and an anti-stick release and lubricating processing additive. RawSource supplies it under CAS 123-94-4.

What is glyceryl monostearate SE made from?

It is the mono-ester of stearic acid and glycerol (C21H42O4), blended with a small amount of anionic surfactant to make it self-emulsifying. The added surfactant is what distinguishes the SE grade. A CoA confirms composition per lot.

What is the INCI name and CAS for Glyceryl Stearate SE?

The INCI name is Glyceryl Stearate SE and the base ester is CAS 123-94-4 (C21H42O4). The "SE" denotes the self-emulsifying grade containing an anionic co-surfactant. Reference both INCI and CAS on procurement documents.

How is bulk glyceryl monostearate SE supplied and quoted?

It is supplied with CoA and SDS in packaging scaled to order volume for cosmetic, food, and industrial buyers. Because grade, quantity, and packaging drive cost, we quote per request rather than list a price. Submit a bulk RFQ with your target volume for a current quote.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.