Glyceryl Stearate (GMS)& PEG-100 Stearate

CAS Number:

31566-31-1 (for Glyceryl Stearate), 9004-99-3 (for PEG-100 Stearate)

Chemical Name: 

Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 Stearate. Also known as Glyceryl Monostearate & PEG-100 Stearate

Common Trade Names:

 HallStar® GMS SE/AS, Lexemul® 561 MB, RHEODOL MS-165V, Humulzy 422, Emulsifier 170

Molecular Formula:

omplex mixture. Typically composed of 48-52% Glyceryl Stearate and 48-52% PEG-100 Stearate (approximately 50/50 blend)

Molecular Weight:

Varies by composition

EC Number:

250-705-4 (for the mixture)

Common Form:

White solid waxy flakes, powder, or pellets

Uses:

This blend is a versatile non-ionic emulsifier combining Glyceryl Stearate (a natural emulsifier) with PEG-100 Stearate (a synthetic polyethylene glycol-derived emulsifier). It is widely used in cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical formulations .

Primary Applications :

· Skin Creams & Lotions (O/W): The largest application. Used in moisturizing creams, foundation creams, sunscreens, hand and foot creams, face and body care products, and after-shave lotions .

· Hair Care Products: Used in hair conditioners, shampoos, hair creams, and depilatory products .

· Color Cosmetics: Incorporated into foundation creams, mascara, and eye liner formulations .

· Antiperspirants & Deodorants: Used in personal care products as a stabilizer and emulsifier .

· Cleansing Products: Used in facial washes and body cleansers .

· Men's Care Products: Used in shaving and beard care formulations .

What does Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 do in a formulation?

• Self-Emulsifying O/W Emulsifier: Primary function. Reduces interfacial tension between oil and water to form stable, homogeneous oil-in-water emulsions without the need for additional emulsifiers. HLB value ~ 11.
• Emulsion Stabilizer: Stabilizes emulsions and prevents component separation over time, with high stability in the presence of electrolytes.
• Thickener & Viscosity Modifier: Increases the viscosity of creams and lotions, giving them a rich consistency; viscosity can be adjusted by adding additional thickeners.
• Emollient: Forms a protective layer on skin and hair, helping to retain moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.
• Skin Penetration Enhancer: Due to its PEG-100 Stearate content, it helps improve the penetration of active ingredients through the skin.
• Chemical Resistance: Exhibits high stability over a wide pH range (pH 4.5 - 9) and resistance to high concentrations of salts and electrolytes.

Safety Profile:

· Hazard Classification: Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in cosmetics. PEG compounds of various molecular weights (PEG-6, PEG-40, PEG-100) have been repeatedly evaluated and considered relatively safe for use in cosmetics .

· Skin/Eye Contact: Safe for use on skin and poses no risk to human health. Has a long history of safe use with no impact on reproductive health .

· Inhalation: Powder dust may irritate the respiratory tract. Avoid dust inhalation during manufacturing .

· Ingestion: Recognized as safe for use in food additives by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) .

· Allergies: A very small percentage of the population may be sensitive to PEG compounds, especially upon ingestion, and may develop skin sensitivity .

· Genotoxicity: PEG-100 has been classified by XCellR8 laboratory as low risk regarding genotoxicity (ability to damage cellular genetic material) .

· Usage Warnings: It is recommended to avoid using PEG-containing products on open wounds or damaged skin such as the diaper area .

· Environmental Impact: PEG compounds are biodegradable and do not appear on the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) list of known or potential microplastics .

· Required PPE: Safety glasses and dust mask when handling raw material in manufacturing or laboratory settings .

· Storage and Handling Note: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Shelf life: 2 years .

Technical profile:

Certifications & Compliance:

Approved for use in Canada and the USA, listed in the China IECIC .