Glyceryl Stearate SE
Pharcos GMS SE
Also known as: GMS SE | Self-Emulsifying Glyceryl Monostearate | SE Base
Pharcos GMS SE operates entirely differently from standard GMS. During manufacturing, a calculated percentage of potassium or sodium stearate (soap) is intentionally reacted into the matrix. This transforms the intensely hydrophobic GMS into an elegant 'self-emulsifying' system. When dropped into hot water, it blooms instantaneously into a thick, brilliant white emulsion without requiring any additional external surfactants.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Emulsifiers
- Grade:
- Self-Emulsifying
- CAS Number:
- 11099-07-3
Key Applications
- Primary O/W Emulsifier
- Economic Cold Creams
- Hand & Body Lotions
- Leather Finishing
How It Works
The addition of the alkaline stearate soap drastically alters the physical-chemistry of the matrix.
The highly anionic soap molecules align alongside the uncharged GMS esters. When dispersed in hot water, the soap groups violently drag the GMS crystals into the water phase, ripping the mixture into billions of tiny droplets via spontaneous micellization. The anionic charge of the soap coats the outside of the droplets, causing them to repel each other strongly via electrostatic repulsion. This keeps the emulsion perfectly stable natively. As it cools, the GMS re-crystallizes, instantly turning the liquid into an opulent, stiff white cream.
Technical Information
Common questions about Glyceryl Stearate SE
GMS SE is designed for simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It is a 'one-drop' primary emulsifier. Non-SE GMS is used when formulators want total control over the emulsion by building their own custom blend of non-ionic surfactants, especially for acidic or highly medicated lotions.
Related Products
Interested in this product?
Contact our technical team for detailed specifications, samples, or pricing information.