Overview
Glyceryl monolaurate (CAS 142-18-7 ), commonly abbreviated as GML and also known as monolaurin, is a monoglyceride ester derived from lauric acid and glycerol. It functions as an emulsifier, surfactant, and moisturizing agent across food manufacturing and personal care formulation.
In food processing, GML is used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in products such as margarine, shortenings, and baked goods. It also extends shelf life by controlling fat crystal structure, ensuring product consistency over time.
Personal care formulators incorporate it into lotions, creams, and cleansers for its dual role as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning humectant. In cosmetic systems, it modifies surface wetting behavior, improving spreadability and texture.
This versatile ingredient is effective in both leave-on and rinse-off formats. It also functions as a lubricant in certain food-contact and industrial processing applications where a food-safe, lipid-based additive is required.
Glyceryl monolaurate is supplied as a white to off-white powder, flake, or waxy solid. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are the most commercially prevalent, ensuring safety and performance across diverse industries.
Material often meets FCC or Ph. Eur. standards depending on the intended application. Purity grades typically range from technical to high-purity monoglyceride concentrations above 90% for specialized uses.
Contact us for supply of Glyceryl monolaurate
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 62-63 °C |
| Boiling Point | 186 °C / 1mmHg |
| Density | 0.9764 (rough estimate) |
| Color | White to Almost white |
| Form | powder to crystal |
| Water Solubility | 6mg/L |
| Refractive Index | 1.4350 (estimate) |
| Log P | 4.029 (est) |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H319 Causes serious eye irritation Precautionary Statements P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 2918.19.9000 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
Related Products
Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 142-18-7
- EC Number
- 205-526-6
- Mol. Weight
- 274.40
- HS Code
- 2918.19.9000
- Category
- Oils, Fats & Waxes