What Is Glycerol Monostearate?
Glycerol monostearate, simply called GMS, is a versatile chemical compound with significant applications in food, cosmetics, etc. It is formed by combining glycerol, a sugar alcohol, with stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid.
GMS is an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickening agent in the food industry, enhancing various processed foods’ texture and shelf life. It functions as an emulsifier and thickening in beauty products and personal grooming products, facilitating the merging of oil and water-based substances.
Pure Glycerol Monostearate Powder Specification
GMS powder is available in various purities depending on its intended use and manufacturing process. The purity level indicates the percentage of GMS in the product, with the remainder typically being other fatty acid esters, impurities, or additives. Here are some possible purities in the market.
- Technical Grade: This purity ranges from 40% to 70%.
- Food Grade: The purity for food-grade GMS typically ranges from 90% to 99%.
- Pharmaceutical Grade: The virtue for pharmaceutical-grade GMS generally exceeds 99%.
- Cosmetic Grade: Suitable for decorative applications, this kind of food additive might have integrity ranging from 95% to 99%.
* Just as a reference. For the details, welcome to contact our sales team.
| Type | Food Additives |
| Appearance | White Powder |
| Purity | 95% or as specified |
| Particle Size | Fine powder, typically <100 mesh% |
| Certifications | HACCP, Kosher, Halal, GMP, as applicable |
| Other Ingredient | None |
| Water Content | ≤ 1.0% |
| Test Methods | HPLC |
| MOQ (minimum order quantity) | 1kg |
| Sample | Available (10-20g/bag) |
| OEM Service | Available, such as capsules, tablets, pills, etc. |
| ODM Service | Available |
| Private Label | Available |
| Contract Manufacturing | Available |
What Are The Sources Of GMS Powder?
The raw materials of glyceryl monostearate are stearic acid and glycerol.
Stearic acid is a fatty acid. It can be extracted from vegetable oils or animal fats. Glycerol is a trihydroxy alcohol that can be chemically synthesized or extracted from vegetable oils. Glyceryl monostearate can be obtained by esterifying stearic acid and glycerol.
GMS Powder Manufacturing Process
- During the production of Glycerol Monostearate powder, glycerol is obtained from fats or biodiesel by-products, while stearic acid is sourced from fats and oils. These ingredients are mixed in a reactor, catalyzed by an acid, and heated to undergo esterification before cooling.
- After the initial production, the GMS undergoes purification, including washing and methods like distillation or crystallization. The purified GMS is then dried and ground into a fine powder.
More Information
Glycerol Monostearate Benefits In Different Areas
- The body can metabolize GMS. It breaks down into glycerol and stearic acid, which can be used as energy sources.
- In cosmetics, this ingredient is an emollient that moistens and softens the skin. While this is a cosmetic benefit, maintaining hydration can support skin health.
- Unlike other emulsifiers or stabilizers, it doesn’t contribute to trans fat content in foods.
- In pharmaceuticals, it can help form stable emulsions and control the release of active ingredients, ensuring that medications work as intended.
Glycerol Monostearate Dosage Reference
- In food, it ranges from 0.1% to 5% by weight.
- In cosmetics, it can contain between 0.5% and 10% or more.
- In pharmaceuticals, it’s used in small quantities as an excipient, with dosages tailored to individual drug formulations.
Buy Glycerol Monostearate Powder On Nutri Avenue
Nutri Avenue offers various kinds of food additives, including GMS powder. This food additive is tested by a third party and certificated by Kosher, GMP, etc. It is also in stock in our US warehouses now.
FAQs
The E number for Glycerol Monostearate is E471.
Lecithin, DATEM (Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides), and SSL (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate) are other food emulsifiers that are routinely replaced for Glycerol Monostearate.
No, glyceryl monostearate is not a trans fatty acid. It is a saturated fat, whereas trans fats are unsaturated fats with a unique molecular structure distinguishing them from saturated and unsaturated fats.
