Back to Catalog
Alcohols & Glycols

Glycol monostearate

CAS: 111-60-4

Overview

Glycol monostearate (CAS 111-60-4 ), also sold as ethylene glycol monostearate or glycol stearate, is a fatty acid ester used across personal care, food, and industrial formulations.

It functions primarily as an emulsifier, opacifier, and rheology modifier, giving formulators control over texture, appearance, and product stability in various applications.

In personal care, it is the go-to opacifying agent in shampoos, conditioners, and body washes, producing the characteristic pearlescent sheen consumers associate with premium products.

Food manufacturers use it as an emulsifier in baked goods and confectionery coatings, where it improves fat distribution and extends shelf texture for better consumer experiences.

Pharmaceutical formulators incorporate it into topical creams and ointments to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and adjust viscosity according to strict USP or BP standards.

In plastics processing, it acts as a plasticizer and internal lubricant, improving flow and reducing brittleness in polymer compounds during the manufacturing and extrusion process.

The material is supplied as white flakes or beads, with flake form being the most common for industrial and cosmetic use. Standard grades include food-grade and cosmetic-grade.

Purity is typically at 90% minimum, though higher-purity pharmaceutical grades are also available. Bulk supply is standard in 25 kg bags or fiber drums for global distribution.

Contact us for supply of Glycol monostearate

Physical Properties

Melting Point60.5 °C
Boiling Point>400 °C
Density0.8780
Flash Point425 °C
AppearanceBeads
ColorWhite to pale yellow
Odorat 100.00?%. mild waxy
FormFlakes
Refractive Index1.4310 (estimate)
Log P7.629 (est)

Safety & Handling

Warning GHS07

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29189900

Other Names

ethylene glycol monostearate | Glycol stearate | 2-Hydroxyethyl octadecanoate | Monthyle | Ivorit | Sedetol | Octadecanoic acid2-hydroxyethyl ester | Stearic acid2-hydroxyethyl ester

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
111-60-4
EC Number
203-886-9
Mol. Weight
328.5
HS Code
29189900

Industries

Documentation