Surfactants - Nonionic Available — Bulk Only

Glyceryl Stearate (Glyceryl Monostearate, GMS)

GMS
CAS 31566-31-1 · Formula C21H42O4 · MW 358.56 g/mol

Workhorse nonionic monoglyceride that stabilizes emulsions and adds richness across personal-care, food, and polymer systems. Used in cosmetic emulsions as an emulsifying and consistency agent, in foods as an emulsifier and firming agent, and industrially as an anti-static agent, plasticizer, and lubricant.

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HS Code
3824.99
At a Glance
Material Family
Surfactants - Nonionic
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Emolliency · Surfactancy
Functional Roles
GLYCERYL STEARATE
SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYINGSKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
Applications & Use Cases
  • Emulsification: Nonionic O/W emulsifier and co-emulsifier
  • Emollient: Skin-conditioning and texture agent
  • Food emulsifier: Emulsifying and firming agent
  • Polymer additive: Anti-static agent and internal plasticizer/lubricant
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Dry Powder; Liquid; Other Solid; Dry Powder; Large Crystals; CBI; Large Crystals; Other Solid; Dry Powder
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
31566-31-1
Molecular Formula
C21H42O4
Molecular Weight
358.56 g/mol
IUPAC Name
2,3-dihydroxypropyl octadecanoate
INCI Name
GLYCERYL STEARATE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
NLMKTBGFQGKQEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
Glyceryl monostearate GMS Glycerol monostearate Monostearin 1-Monostearin 2-Monostearin Octadecanoic acid, monoester with glycerol Cetocire CETOMACROGOL Romopal O Collone AC Lubrol W Nikkol BC Ethosperse CL20 Lipocol C2 Ceteth 2 Brij58 Emulgen 210 Nikkol BC 15TX Nikkol BC 20TX
Full Description

Commercial glyceryl monostearate (mono-ester of stearic acid, CAS 31566-31-1, C21H42O4), a nonionic emulsifier and emollient. Used in cosmetic emulsions as an emulsifying and consistency agent, in foods as an emulsifier and firming agent, and industrially as an anti-static agent, plasticizer, and lubricant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is glyceryl stearate natural or synthetic?

Glyceryl stearate (GMS, CAS 31566-31-1, C21H42O4) is the glycerol mono-ester of stearic acid and can be made from either plant- or synthetically derived feedstocks. Commercial grades are typically produced by esterifying glycerin with stearic acid; specify your sourcing requirement on the quote.

Is glycerin the same as glyceryl stearate?

No. Glycerin (glycerol) is a small trihydric alcohol used as a humectant, while glyceryl stearate is the mono-ester of glycerin with stearic acid, a nonionic emulsifier. They are chemically distinct materials with different functions.

What is glyceryl stearate used for?

It serves as a nonionic O/W emulsifier and co-emulsifier, an emollient/consistency agent in cosmetic emulsions, a food emulsifier and firming agent, and a polymer additive (anti-static agent, internal plasticizer/lubricant).

What is the chemical formula of glyceryl stearate?

Commercial glyceryl monostearate is C21H42O4 (CAS 31566-31-1). It is a nonionic monoglyceride of stearic acid; technical grades may contain a fraction of the di-ester depending on specification.

How is bulk glyceryl stearate supplied and quoted?

RawSource ships glyceryl stearate in bulk to manufacturers in drums, bags, or totes depending on form. Pricing is volume-based; request a bulk quote, and CoA and SDS documentation is provided on request. HS code 3824.99.

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.