Glyceryl Monoisostearate (GMIS)

Glyceryl Monoisostearate – Non-Ionic Emulsifier and Emollient for Cosmetics, Personal Care, and Pharmaceuticals

Basic Information

• INCI Name: Glyceryl Isostearate (Glyceryl Monoisostearate)

• CAS Number: 66085-00-5

• Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₄₂O₄

• Molecular Weight: ~358.56 g/mol

• Synonyms: Glyceryl isostearate, Glycerol monoisostearate, Isooctadecanoic acid monoester with glycerol

• Appearance: Pale yellow to amber liquid or waxy solid

• HLB Value: Low (lipophilic, suitable for W/O and O/W emulsions)

• Solubility: Soluble in oils and organic solvents; practically insoluble in water

• Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture

Overview
Glyceryl monoisostearate (GMIS) is a non-ionic monoester produced by the selective esterification of glycerin with isostearic acid. It combines a hydrophilic glycerin backbone with a lipophilic isostearyl chain, providing excellent amphiphilic properties. This ester is widely used as an emulsifier, emollient, and stabilizer in cosmetic, personal care, and pharmaceutical formulations. Its low HLB value makes it particularly effective for water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, offering soft conditioning, good moisturization, and excellent spreading.

Key Properties

• Non-ionic – compatible with a wide range of ingredients and pH levels.

• Amphiphilic – reduces interfacial tension, stabilizing both O/W and W/O emulsions.

• Good skin compatibility and mildness – suitable for sensitive skin.

• Emollient properties – provides soft conditioning and moisturization.

• Excellent spreading – enhances product application and skin feel.

• Biocompatible and low toxicity – safe for topical and oral applications.

• Biodegradable and derived from renewable plant-based sources.

• Suitable for cold process emulsification.

Applications

• Cosmetics and personal care: Used as a primary or co-emulsifier, emollient, thickener, stabilizer, opacifier, and pearlescent agent in creams, lotions, serums, sunscreens, makeup removers, lip cosmetics, and hair care products. Provides stable, elegant textures with good spreadability and moisturizing properties.

• Pharmaceuticals: Employed as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and penetration enhancer in topical ointments, creams, and suppositories.

• Food industry: Used as a food emulsifier in ice cream, margarines, spreads, sauces, dressings, and baked goods. Prevents development of undesirable textures.

• Industrial: Applied as a dispersant, lubricant, and stabilizer in specialty chemical formulations.

Key Benefits

• Effective emulsification for both O/W and W/O systems.

• Mild and non-irritating – suitable for sensitive skin and baby products.

• Emollient properties – softens and conditions skin and hair.

• Excellent spreading and moisturization.

• Biocompatible, biodegradable, and of natural origin.

• Compatible with a wide range of cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical ingredients.

• Acts as a co-emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer in complex formulations.

• Suitable for cold process emulsification, simplifying production.

Recommended Use
Typical usage levels range from 1–5% of the formulation, depending on the desired emulsion stability, viscosity, and texture. For optimal performance, dissolve in the oil phase at elevated temperatures (60–70°C) or use in cold process formulations. Can be combined with co-emulsifiers and thickeners for tailored rheology.

Safety and Handling

• Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and cosmetics at recommended concentrations.

• Low irritation potential; well-tolerated by skin and mucous membranes.

• Avoid contact with strong oxidizers and acids.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles) when handling.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for acid value, saponification value, and emulsification performance to ensure consistent quality.