Glycols & Polyols Available — Bulk Only

Propylene Glycol Monostearate (PGMS)

PG / MPG
CAS 1323-39-3 · Formula C21H42O3 · MW 342.6 g/mol

A nonionic fatty-acid ester that emulsifies and opacifies cosmetic and food formulations. It is used as an emulsifier, opacifier, and emollient in cosmetics and as an emulsifier in food applications.

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HS Code
2915.70
At a Glance
Material Family
Glycols & Polyols
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Surfactancy · Emolliency
Solubility
insoluble in water
Functional Roles
PROPYLENE GLYCOL STEARATE
SKIN CONDITIONINGSURFACTANT - CLEANSING
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Cosmetics: Emulsifier and opacifier in creams and lotions
  • Cosmetics: Emollient and texture modifier
  • Food: Emulsifier for processed foods
Physical Properties
Melting Point
50 °C
Solubility
insoluble in water
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
2915 . 70
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.15
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2915.70
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
1323-39-3
Molecular Formula
C21H42O3
Molecular Weight
342.6 g/mol
IUPAC Name
2-hydroxypropyl octadecanoate
INCI Name
PROPYLENE GLYCOL STEARATE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
FKOKUHFZNIUSLW-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
PROPYLENE GLYCOL MONOSTEARATE Cerasynt PA Octadecanoic acid, monoester with 1,2-propanediol FEMA No. 2942 Propylene glycol palmitostearate FEMA NO. 4208 PROPYLENE GLYCOL MONOPALMITOSTEARATE 2-Hydroxypropyl stearate 2-hydroxypropyl octadecanoate Propylene glycol stearate Monosteol Prostearin
Full Description

Propylene glycol monostearate (CAS 1323-39-3) is the monostearate ester of propylene glycol. It is used as an emulsifier, opacifier, and emollient in cosmetics and as an emulsifier in food applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is propylene glycol monostearate used for?

Propylene glycol monostearate (CAS 1323-39-3) is the monostearate ester of propylene glycol, used as an emulsifier, opacifier, and emollient in cosmetics such as creams and lotions, and as an emulsifier in processed foods.

Is there a difference between propylene glycol and propylene glycol monostearate?

Yes. Propylene glycol (CAS 57-55-6) is a small diol, while propylene glycol monostearate (CAS 1323-39-3) is its ester with stearic acid, a waxy emulsifier with formula C21H42O3. They function very differently: one is a solvent/humectant, the other a surface-active emulsifier.

What is the chemical formula of propylene glycol monostearate?

Its molecular formula is C21H42O3, the ester of propylene glycol with one stearic-acid chain. The "Pure" designation indicates a high-monoester grade; the assay is confirmed on the CoA.

What does propylene glycol monostearate do as an emulsifier?

As a lipophilic emulsifier it stabilizes oil-in-water systems and modifies texture and opacity in creams, lotions, and processed foods. It is typically used with a co-emulsifier to balance the HLB of a formulation.

What bulk packaging and grades are available for propylene glycol monostearate pure?

RawSource supplies the pure (high-monoester) grade in bags, drums, and bulk to cosmetic and food manufacturers. Submit your target quantity and required grade for a bulk quote, with a CoA and SDS provided per lot.

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.