GLYCERYL STEARATE- ▸ 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
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.
Request SDS →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.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 250-705-4
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Solutions Using This Product
Process-solution guides on this site that specify this chemistry:
- Cosmetic Emulsifiers & Stabilizers for Stable Creams (Beauty & Personal Care)
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.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Glyceryl Stearate (Glyceryl Monostearate, GMS)?
Glyceryl Stearate (Glyceryl Monostearate, GMS) (CAS 31566-31-1) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 250-705-4).