Glyceryl Monostearate (Non-SE)
Pharcos GMS
Also known as: Glyceryl Stearate | Monostearin | GMS Basic | Type I GMS
Pharcos GMS (Non-Self-Emulsifying) is a nearly pure ester of glycerin and stearic acid. In personal care, it serves as an indispensable co-emulsifier and viscosity builder in oil-in-water (O/W) creams. Far beyond cosmetics, its intensely waxy, lipophilic nature makes it a highly demanded internal lubricant and mold release agent in the rigid plastics (PVC) industry and a matrix builder in heavy-duty automotive polishes.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Emulsifiers
- Grade:
- Non-SE
- CAS Number:
- 31566-31-1
Key Applications
- O/W Cream Thickener
- PVC Internal Lubricant
- Mold Release Agent
- Industrial Polish Emulsifier
How It Works
GMS possesses a very low HLB (~3.8). It cannot emulsify an oil into water by itself.
In cosmetics, it is used as a 'structurant'. When paired with a high-HLB primary surfactant (like Ceteareth-20 or Polysorbates), the lipophilic GMS tail integrates into the dispersed oil droplet, while the glycerin head group hydrogen-bonds with the water interface. As the cream cools, the GMS crystallizes aggressively around the oil droplets, forming a rigid, three-dimensional 'alpha-gel' network that physically thickens the cream into a rich, non-flowing solid.
In PVC plastics, GMS acts as an internal lubricant. During hot melt extrusion, the GMS melts and wedges itself between the long PVC polymer chains, reducing internal friction heat and preventing the plastic from degrading or yellowing before it exits the die.
Technical Information
Common questions about Glyceryl Monostearate (Non-SE)
This is Non-SE (Non-Self-Emulsifying) GMS. It contains no water-loving soaps. You MUST add a primary hydrophilic emulsifier (like PEG-100 Stearate or Polysorbate 60) to the formula to pull the GMS and oils into the water.
Related Products
Interested in this product?
Contact our technical team for detailed specifications, samples, or pricing information.