Glycerol Monostearate Self-Emulsifying
Glycerol Monostearate Self-Emulsifying (GMS SE) is a waxy emulsifying material based on glycerol esters of stearic acid combined with a self-emulsifying component.
Unlike non-self-emulsifying glycerol monostearate, GMS SE is designed to facilitate the formation of oil-in-water emulsions without requiring a separate primary emulsifier in many suitable formulations.
GMS SE is primarily used as an emulsifier, consistency modifier and emollient in creams, lotions and other emulsified products. Its performance, appearance and melting behaviour depend on the fatty-acid composition, glyceride distribution and self-emulsifying system used.
Product Information
Chemical family: Glycerol fatty acid esters with a self-emulsifying component
Base chemical: Glycerol Monostearate / Glyceryl Stearate
INCI name: Glyceryl Stearate SE
Type: Self-emulsifying oil-in-water emulsifier / consistency modifier
Emulsion type: Primarily oil-in-water
Appearance: Waxy solid, flakes or pastilles, depending on grade and specification
Solubility: Not freely soluble in water; designed to disperse and emulsify during suitable heated formulation processes
Packaging: Bags / Drums / Bulk
Main functions
Oil-in-water emulsification
Supports the formation and stabilisation of emulsions in which oil is dispersed within a continuous water phase
Self-emulsifying performance
Contains an emulsifying component that enables easier incorporation of oil and water phases in suitable formulations
Consistency modification
Adds body, structure and viscosity to creams, lotions and other semi-solid products
Emulsion stabilisation
Helps reduce separation and supports consistent texture during storage
Emolliency
Contributes a smooth, soft and conditioned feel to the skin
Opacifying support
Can increase opacity and provide a richer, creamier appearance
Typical Uses by Industry
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Used as a primary emulsifier and consistency modifier in oil-in-water creams and lotions
Suitable for selected moisturisers, body creams, hand creams and facial-care formulations
Helps provide body, texture and a smooth application profile
Can also be used in selected hair-care, cleansing and conditioning products
Frequently combined with fatty alcohols, emollients or additional emulsifiers to optimise viscosity, stability and sensory properties
Household & Institutional Products
Used as an emulsifier and consistency modifier in selected cream cleaners, polishes and emulsion-based household products
Helps combine oil-based and water-based ingredients
Can contribute opacity, body and formulation stability
Industrial & Technical
Used as an emulsifier and structuring agent in selected polishes, wax emulsions, coatings and speciality chemical formulations
Supports the incorporation of oily ingredients into water-based systems
Suitability depends on formulation pH, processing conditions and compatibility with other ingredients