Glycerol Monostearate Flakes

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Glycerol Monostearate Flakes is a white to off-white waxy flake form emulsifier composed of 40% monoglycerides of fatty acids, primarily stearic and palmitic acids, combined with other glycerides and esters. Derived mainly from vegetable oils, this food-grade emulsifier is widely utilized in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors for its multifunctional properties. GMS 40% flakes serve as effective emulsifiers, stabilizers, anti-caking agents, and texture enhancers, with excellent compatibility and versatility in formulations requiring semi-solid or solid fats.

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Categories: Emollients, Emulsifiers, Excipients Tags: Cosmetic ingredient, Emulsifier, Food additive, Glycerol Monostearate, GMS Flakes, Pharmaceutical excipient, Stabilizer

Description

Table of Contents

Glycerol Monostearate Flakes

Primary Uses

Food Industry

Emulsifying agent in margarine, spreads, and shortenings to blend fats and water, improving texture and consistency.
Acts as an anti-caking and anti-staling agent in baked goods, improving softness and extending shelf life.
Used in ice cream and dairy products to enhance creaminess, smoothness, and melt properties.
Functions as a stabilizer in confectionery for uniformity and improved mouthfeel.
Utilized in chocolate and coatings to improve gloss and texture by controlling fat crystallization.
Serves as a release agent in baking and candy manufacturing, preventing product sticking.
Added to instant mixes and beverages to stabilize oil-water emulsions and maintain shelf stability.

Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals

Employed as an excipient in topical creams, ointments, and gels for enhanced emulsification and texture.
Functions as a tablet binder and dispersing agent in solid dosage forms.
Used in nutritional supplements to aid in the uniform distribution of fat-soluble vitamins and oils.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Emulsifier and thickener in creams, lotions, body butters, and hair conditioners.
Improves skin feel and spreadability, providing a smooth and non-greasy texture.
Acts as a stabilizer and opacifier in shampoos, liquid soaps, and sunscreen formulations.
Enhances the water resistance and longevity of makeup and sunscreen products.

Industrial Applications

Used as an antistatic and lubricating agent in plastics, rubber, and packaging films.
Functions as a processing aid and internal lubricant in polymer extrusion.
Serves as a softening agent in textile processing and finishing.

Secondary Uses

Agriculture

Functions as an emulsifier in pesticide formulations to improve dispersion and efficacy.
Used in animal feed supplements for improved mixing and stability.

Personal Hygiene Products

Added in deodorants, shaving creams, and cleansing bars for enhanced texture and stability.

Paints & Coatings

Used as a dispersing and emulsifying agent to improve consistency and finish.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): 1-Monostearoyl-rac-glycerol
Common/Trade Name: Glycerol Monostearate (GMS)
CAS Number: 31566-31-1 (commercial blends)
HS Code: 2915.90.70
Molecular Formula: C21H42O4 (pure monostearate)
Molecular Weight: ~358.56 g/mol
Synonyms:
- Glyceryl monostearate
- GMS 40
- Monostearin
- E471 (food additive)
- Octadecanoic acid monoglyceride

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Waxy flakes
Color & Odor: White to off-white; faint fatty odor
Purity: Approx. 40% monoglycerides content
Melting Point: 55–65 °C
Solubility:
- Insoluble in water
- Soluble in hot ethanol, oils, and fats
pH (1% dispersion): 6–8
HLB Value: 3.8–5.6 (oil-in-water emulsifier)

Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification: Not hazardous
NFPA Ratings: Health 0, Flammability 1, Reactivity 0
Toxicity: Non-toxic and Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)
Irritation: Mild skin or eye irritant at high concentrations

Storage & Handling Attributes

Container Type: Multi-wall paper bags with polyethylene liner or fiber drums
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area, away from moisture and heat
Shelf Life: Up to 24 months under recommended conditions
Handling Notes: Avoid dust formation; keep container tightly closed

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Food Grade: Complies with FDA GRAS, EU E471, JECFA standards
Pharmaceutical Grade: USP/NF grades available
REACH Registered: Yes
Halal and Kosher: Certificates available depending on supplier

Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Easily biodegradable
Ecotoxicity: Low environmental toxicity
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: No evidence of carcinogenic or mutagenic effects

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required: Gloves, dust mask, safety goggles
Handling Guidelines: Avoid inhalation of dust, avoid skin and eye contact
Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; avoid eating or drinking during handling

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; consult a physician if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention if large quantities ingested

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Combustible solid at high temperature
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO₂
Combustion Products: Carbon oxides and fatty acid fumes
Firefighter PPE: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing