Glycerol Monostearate Market

• In March 2023, Croda International plc, represented in India by its Indian subsidiary ‘ Croda India’, announced the decision to invest USD 5.4 million in building a greenfield manufacturing facility in Dahej, Gujarat. The new facility will aid in catering to the rising consumption of pharma and consumer care products.

• In May 2022, Evonik Industries AG inaugurated its Applied Technology Center (ATC) in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The new facility would include new laboratories and two pilot plants, strengthening its interface & performance business line. Interface & Performance’s agro-business includes emulsifiers, wetting agents, antifoams, and dispersants. The facility is Evonik’s third regional Agro Hub after ones in the U.S. and Germany.

In this report, the Glycerol Monostearate Market has been segmented by Purity, Application, End User, and Geography.

Glycerol Monostearate Market, Segmentation by Purity

The Purity segmentation includes Below 90% and Above 90%, both grades serving distinct functional roles. Higher purity levels are preferred in personal care and food applications requiring stringent quality standards, while lower purities cater to industrial formulations and cost-sensitive uses. Technological advancements in purification processes are improving yield and stability across both categories.

Below 90%

Below 90% purity glycerol monostearate is typically used in industrial emulsions, plastics, and lubricants. It offers cost efficiency and satisfactory performance in formulations where high-grade purity is not essential. This segment benefits from its application in PVC processing, textile finishing, and coating additives, where emulsification and anti-static properties are critical.

Above 90%

Above 90% purity glycerol monostearate represents the premium grade preferred in food, beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. It ensures higher emulsification efficiency and product stability, enhancing texture, smoothness, and shelf life. Increasing demand for bio-based and non-toxic ingredients is driving its adoption in formulations aligned with clean-label and sustainable product trends.

Glycerol Monostearate Market, Segmentation by Application

The Application segmentation includes Emulsifier, Thickener, and Preservative. Glycerol monostearate’s versatility allows it to perform multiple roles in product formulation, depending on concentration, purity, and processing method. Its growing use in plant-based foods and natural cosmetics supports market expansion globally.

Emulsifier

Emulsifier applications dominate the market as glycerol monostearate helps blend immiscible ingredients like oil and water in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Its ability to improve texture, consistency, and stability makes it indispensable in products like ice creams, creams, lotions, and baked goods. Increasing use of natural emulsifiers over synthetic variants is fueling demand in this category.

Thickener

Thickener applications rely on the compound’s capability to improve viscosity and body in formulations. It enhances mouthfeel in dairy products and creaminess in personal care creams. Innovations in multifunctional blends and co-emulsifier systems are further optimizing performance in advanced formulations across multiple industries.

Preservative

Preservative applications are growing steadily as glycerol monostearate offers antimicrobial and moisture barrier properties. It helps maintain product integrity by preventing microbial growth and moisture loss. This functionality is gaining attention in natural formulations where chemical preservatives are restricted or avoided, particularly in organic cosmetics and clean-label food products.

Glycerol Monostearate Market, Segmentation by End User

The End User segmentation covers Food & Beverages and Personal Care & Cosmetics. Both sectors rely heavily on glycerol monostearate for improving product performance, stability, and sensory quality. The ingredient’s multifunctionality and compatibility with other compounds enhance its appeal across diverse end-use applications.

Food & Beverages

Food & Beverages constitute the largest end-user segment. Glycerol monostearate is extensively used as an emulsifier and anti-staling agent in baked goods, ice creams, dairy products, and confectionery. Its role in maintaining texture, aeration, and product stability contributes to widespread adoption. Rising consumer preference for plant-derived emulsifiers and clean-label food ingredients supports continued market growth.

Personal Care & Cosmetics

Personal Care & Cosmetics represent a fast-growing segment where glycerol monostearate serves as a thickener, emollient, and stabilizer in creams, lotions, and shampoos. It improves the product’s texture and spreadability while enhancing moisture retention. The segment benefits from expanding demand for vegan, organic, and eco-certified formulations driven by global sustainability and ethical sourcing trends.

Glycerol Monostearate Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Glycerol Monostearate Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America

North America dominates the market with strong demand from the food processing and cosmetics industries. The region benefits from advanced production technologies and a shift toward bio-based emulsifiers. Regulatory approval for food-grade and cosmetic-grade glycerol monostearate underpins steady market growth in the U.S. and Canada.

Europe

Europe holds a significant share supported by stringent quality standards and growing preference for natural, sustainable additives. The region’s established food and personal care sectors drive steady consumption. Investments in green chemistry and clean-label ingredient sourcing further promote innovation in glycerol monostearate production.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region due to expanding food manufacturing and cosmetic production bases in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Increasing disposable incomes and consumer awareness of premium, safe, and sustainable ingredients are fueling market expansion. Regional manufacturers are focusing on capacity expansion and exports to meet rising global demand.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa show moderate growth, driven by increasing processed food consumption and emerging personal care markets. The UAE and South Africa lead adoption, supported by modernization in food processing and cosmetics manufacturing sectors. Growing imports of specialty emulsifiers further strengthen market presence.

Latin America

Latin America is experiencing growing demand from food and beverage industries in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. Rising consumer interest in functional and clean-label food ingredients is supporting regional expansion. Investments in local production and distribution networks are enhancing supply chain efficiency and product accessibility.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Glycerol Monostearate Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Emulsifying properties
• Functional versatility

• Increased shelf-life : One of the primary drivers for the adoption of Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) in the global market is its ability to enhance shelf life across various products and industries. GMS functions as an effective emulsifier and stabilizer, crucial for maintaining product quality over extended periods. In food applications, GMS prevents fat crystallization and oxidation, thereby extending the shelf life of baked goods, confectionery, dairy products, and processed foods. By stabilizing emulsions and improving texture, GMS helps maintain product consistency and freshness throughout storage and distribution channels.

  In the personal care sector, Glycerol Monostearate is used to stabilize formulations in cosmetics and skincare products, preventing phase separation and maintaining product integrity over time. Its emulsifying properties contribute to the longevity of creams, lotions, and other cosmetic preparations by ensuring uniform distribution of active ingredients and maintaining desired texture and viscosity. This capability is crucial for meeting consumer expectations of product efficacy and quality.

  In pharmaceutical applications, GMS serves as a lubricant in tablet manufacturing and a dispersing agent in ointments and creams. Its role in pharmaceutical formulations helps enhance product stability and shelf life by facilitating uniform mixing of ingredients and improving overall product performance. This versatility across multiple industries underscores GMS's importance in addressing the need for longer shelf life, which is a critical factor in reducing product wastage and ensuring consumer satisfaction with consistent product quality over time.

Restraints

• Regulatory Compliance
• Price Fluctuations

• Raw Material Sourcing : Raw material sourcing for the Global Glycerol Monostearate Market involves obtaining key ingredients necessary for its production, primarily focusing on stearic acid and glycerol. Stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid derived from natural sources like vegetable oils (such as palm oil, soybean oil, and coconut oil) or animal fats, serves as the primary raw material for glycerol monostearate synthesis. The availability and cost of stearic acid significantly impact the production economics and market dynamics of glycerol monostearate.

  Glycerol, another essential raw material, is a byproduct of biodiesel production or derived from natural fats and oils through hydrolysis. It plays a crucial role in the esterification process that produces glycerol monostearate. The sourcing of glycerol depends on factors such as regional availability of biodiesel production facilities and the overall supply-demand balance in the glycerine market. Manufacturers often prioritize sourcing glycerol from sustainable and certified suppliers to align with environmental and regulatory standards.

  The global glycerol monostearate market's raw material sourcing strategy also considers the quality and purity requirements necessary for different end-use applications. Manufacturers may engage in strategic partnerships with suppliers to ensure a consistent and reliable supply chain of raw materials. Moreover, advancements in extraction technologies and sustainable sourcing practices continue to influence sourcing decisions, promoting efficiency and minimizing environmental impact throughout the glycerol monostearate production process.

Opportunities

• Functional Foods
• Clean Label

• Personal Care : In the Global Glycerol Monostearate Market, the personal care industry plays a significant role as a major consumer of this versatile ingredient. Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is widely utilized in personal care products for its emulsifying properties, which help stabilize formulations and ensure consistent texture. In cosmetics and skincare products, GMS facilitates the blending of water and oil phases, allowing for the creation of smooth, uniform creams, lotions, and emulsions. Its ability to enhance product consistency and stability makes it a preferred choice in moisturizers, sunscreens, and various other skincare formulations.

  Glycerol Monostearate acts as a lubricant and thickening agent in personal care products, contributing to the overall sensory experience and efficacy of the product. It helps improve the spreadability and absorption of topical applications, ensuring that active ingredients are evenly distributed and absorbed into the skin. This characteristic is particularly valuable in formulations aimed at providing hydration, anti-aging effects, and protection against environmental stressors.

  The personal care industry's reliance on GMS extends beyond basic skincare products to include hair care items such as conditioners and styling products. In these applications, GMS helps enhance the smoothness and manageability of hair by reducing friction and static electricity. As consumer demand for multifunctional and performance-driven personal care products grows, Glycerol Monostearate continues to be a favored ingredient for its versatility, effectiveness, and ability to meet diverse formulation requirements in the global market.

Glycerol Monostearate Market is witnessing consistent growth supported by its expanding use across food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Over 70% of manufacturers are adopting sustainable production strategies to enhance purity and efficiency. Strong collaboration between chemical producers and end-use sectors is driving innovation and improving the overall market competitiveness.

Market Structure and Concentration

The market demonstrates moderate concentration, with around 60% of production dominated by established chemical manufacturers. These players emphasize mergers, partnerships, and capacity expansion to strengthen market presence. Smaller firms are focusing on regional growth and product diversification to enhance competitiveness in specialized applications and food-grade production segments.

Brand and Channel Strategies

Leading companies employ targeted strategies through direct distribution and e-commerce networks. Nearly 55% of producers collaborate with suppliers and distributors to optimize supply efficiency. Consistent branding of food and personal care products integrated with GMS formulations is enhancing visibility, while partnerships with multinational firms support long-term growth.

Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements

Advancements in technological processing and purification methods are reshaping the production of glycerol monostearate. Over 65% of companies are investing in innovation to improve product stability and sustainability. Enhanced emulsification performance and eco-friendly synthesis strategies are boosting the overall growth trajectory and industrial adaptability of the compound.

Regional Momentum and Expansion

Significant expansion is evident across Asia-Pacific and Europe, which collectively account for over 68% of global output. Regional collaboration among manufacturers and food technology firms is reinforcing production capacity. Ongoing partnerships in emerging economies are improving supply consistency and supporting market growth through advanced distribution networks.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for the glycerol monostearate market highlights continued growth driven by sustainable sourcing and product innovation. Around 70% of producers are expected to focus on renewable feedstocks and efficiency-enhancing technological advancements. Collaborative strategies and ongoing expansion in high-demand industries will sustain long-term competitiveness and development.

Key players in Glycerol Monostearate Market include:

• BASF SE
• Evonik Industries AG
• Corbion (Netherlands)
• Lonza Group AG
• Stepan Company
• Croda International Plc
• Wilmar International Ltd
• Hangzhou Oleochemicals Co., Ltd
• Corbion
• JIALISHI ADDITIVES (HAIAN) CO., LTD.
• Estelle Chemicals Pvt. Ltd
• Volkem Chemical LLP
• ACM Chemicals (India)
• Alpha Chemicals Private Limited
• Marathwada Chemicals (India)

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Market Share Analysis
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis