Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Emulsifier, Thickening, Anti-Caking, Stabilizer, Others), By Application (Food & Beverage, Cosmetic, Pharmaceutical, Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market Overview

Global glycerol monostearate (gms) market size in 2024 is estimated to be USD 1070.26 million, with projections to grow to USD 1275.99 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 2%.

The Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market is characterized by extensive application in multiple end-use industries including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. GMS, which is chemically C21H42O4, is widely used as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and anti-caking agent due to its amphiphilic nature. As of 2024, global GMS production exceeds 140,000 metric tons annually, with approximately 48,000 metric tons consumed by the food sector. The cosmetic industry accounts for 22,000 metric tons of consumption, reflecting a 15.7% rise from the 2022 volume of 19,000 metric tons. With over 95 countries actively importing GMS, international demand has surged, particularly in Asia-Pacific where more than 60,000 metric tons are processed annually. GMS is present in over 1800 registered food and cosmetic formulations globally. The demand for industrial-grade GMS used in plastic processing reached 10,000 metric tons in 2023, marking a growth of over 1,300 metric tons compared to the previous year. As consumer preference shifts toward cleaner-label products, manufacturers have introduced GMS variants with over 99% purity. With 57% of total GMS output derived from vegetable sources, sustainability factors are also influencing market shifts, especially in Europe and North America. GMS’s melting point of 55°C and water solubility of 0.25 g/L influence formulation choices in multiple sectors.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Rising demand for emulsifiers in processed foods due to increased consumption of packaged food products.

Top Country/Region: China dominates production, accounting for over 40,000 metric tons annually, followed by India with 18,500 metric tons.

Top Segment: The food and beverage industry accounts for the largest share, consuming more than 48,000 metric tons in 2024.

Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market Trends

The Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market is witnessing substantial transformation due to evolving consumer demand, especially in processed foods and personal care. In 2023, over 65,000 metric tons of GMS were utilized globally in emulsified food formulations, a jump from 59,000 metric tons in 2022. The growth of the bakery and confectionery segment is a significant trend, with bakery applications alone accounting for 27,000 metric tons of consumption. With 4.1 billion people consuming packaged snacks globally, the demand for stable emulsifiers like GMS has risen sharply.

In the cosmetics sector, GMS is increasingly incorporated in moisturizers and lotions. The global skincare industry utilized over 22,000 metric tons of GMS in 2023, a rise of 3,000 metric tons compared to 2021. Anti-aging products, accounting for 35% of GMS use in cosmetics, have further contributed to this growth. The organic cosmetics market, now constituting 12% of global cosmetic sales, is relying more on naturally derived GMS, often containing less than 0.1% impurities.

In pharmaceuticals, GMS is used as a controlled-release agent. As of 2024, 6,200 metric tons of pharmaceutical-grade GMS were consumed, a 14% increase from 2022’s 5,400 metric tons. The increased prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues has amplified the demand for sustained-release drug formulations.

From a geographical standpoint, Asia-Pacific leads with 60,000+ metric tons of consumption, while Europe follows with over 28,000 metric tons. Technological advancements in food processing equipment that allow precise dosing of emulsifiers have improved efficiency, reducing waste by 5% per production cycle.

Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for pharmaceuticals.

With over 300 million chronic disease patients globally requiring sustained-release medications, GMS’s role as a drug release agent has expanded. In 2023, over 6,200 metric tons of pharmaceutical-grade GMS were used globally, up from 5,100 metric tons in 2021. This rise is also reflected in North America, where the use of GMS in pharma rose from 1,100 metric tons to 1,400 metric tons over the same period. GMS enhances bioavailability in over 65 types of oral solid drugs, including anti-diabetics, statins, and pain relievers. Its neutral pH and compatibility with excipients make it suitable for over 200 different drug formulations.

RESTRAINT

Demand for refurbished equipment.

GMS processing requires high-grade stainless steel reactors with precision temperature control. Due to high capital costs, over 38% of small-scale manufacturers globally opt for refurbished or outdated equipment, often leading to inconsistent product quality. These setups typically increase batch rejection rates by up to 18% and energy consumption by 23% per ton produced. In emerging economies, over 41% of local producers lack proper Quality Assurance (QA) facilities, reducing market credibility and slowing exports.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in personalized medicines.

The personalized medicine industry is expanding rapidly, with over 75% of clinical trials now incorporating biomarker-driven drug development. GMS, used in personalized drug formulations, supports microencapsulation for tailored drug release. Demand for such GMS formulations increased from 900 metric tons in 2022 to 1,300 metric tons in 2024. North America and Western Europe lead this space, consuming over 800 metric tons of GMS in personalized delivery systems. Innovative nano-emulsions utilizing GMS are being developed for pediatric and geriatric drug formats.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and expenditures.

Raw materials for GMS such as glycerol and stearic acid have witnessed price fluctuations of 15%–28% between 2022 and 2024. This has led to a per-ton production cost hike of USD 300–400 in several regions. Transport costs have also increased by 18% globally, largely due to post-pandemic logistic delays and increased fuel costs. With over 45% of GMS output exported across borders, logistics constitute nearly 25% of the final pricing. These costs reduce competitiveness and affect pricing strategies, especially for small and medium enterprises.

Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market Segmentation

The Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market is segmented by type and application. By type, key categories include emulsifier, thickening agent, anti-caking agent, stabilizer, and others. By application, it is segmented into food & beverage, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and others. Each segment consumes over 10,000 metric tons annually, with emulsifiers dominating the type segment and food & beverage leading the application segment.

By Type

• Emulsifier: Over 60,000 metric tons of GMS are used annually as emulsifiers, particularly in processed foods and beverages. Baked goods represent 40% of this usage, accounting for 24,000 metric tons, followed by margarine and dairy products. The stability provided by GMS extends shelf life by 20–30% in food products.
• Thickening: GMS as a thickening agent is used in sauces, creams, and lotions, with over 12,000 metric tons consumed globally. Cosmetic creams account for 8,000 metric tons alone, improving texture and viscosity. In pharmaceutical ointments, 1,900 metric tons were used in 2023.
• Anti-Caking: In powder formulations like protein powders and spice blends, 9,800 metric tons of GMS were used in 2023 to prevent clumping. Its hydrophobic nature ensures moisture resistance up to 0.03 g/cm³, enhancing shelf stability in humid regions.
• Stabilizer: GMS used as a stabilizer ensures uniform dispersion in products. In 2023, over 11,500 metric tons were used in beverages and desserts. Ice creams accounted for 6,000 metric tons, increasing creaminess and reducing crystallization.
• Others: Other applications include plastic lubricants and textile finishes, consuming over 7,000 metric tons globally. GMS is used in PVC processing at volumes exceeding 2,200 metric tons annually.

By Application

• Food & Beverage: This is the dominant application, consuming over 48,000 metric tons annually. In 2023, bakery products alone used 27,000 metric tons, followed by dairy with 10,200 metric tons. Functional beverages contributed another 6,500 metric tons.
• Cosmetic: Cosmetics accounted for over 22,000 metric tons in 2023. Moisturizers and sunscreens utilized 8,400 metric tons, while hair care formulations used 5,800 metric tons. GMS improved emollient properties and extended product durability.
• Pharmaceutical: The pharmaceutical industry used 6,200 metric tons of GMS in 2023. It is utilized in over 110 commercial drug products for controlled-release delivery, increasing tablet stability under 40°C conditions.
• Others: Other applications include plastics, agrochemicals, and textiles. Combined, these segments consumed over 11,000 metric tons in 2023, driven by industrial lubricants and emulsion stability.

Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market Regional Outlook

The global Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market shows diverse performance across regions, with Asia-Pacific leading consumption due to the rapid expansion of the food and personal care industries. Europe maintains a stronghold due to regulatory emphasis on high-purity GMS grades, while North America sees consistent demand from pharmaceuticals. The Middle East & Africa region is emerging slowly, primarily in food applications and niche pharmaceutical use.

• North America

North America consumed over 18,000 metric tons of GMS in 2023, with the United States alone accounting for 13,700 metric tons. Food & beverage applications made up 9,400 metric tons, while pharmaceuticals used 3,200 metric tons. GMS usage in cosmetic creams reached 2,300 metric tons, driven by the rise in organic and vegan skincare products. The FDA has approved over 140 GMS-containing products in the past two years.

• Europe

In Europe, GMS consumption crossed 28,000 metric tons in 2023. Germany led with 7,500 metric tons, followed by France and the UK with 6,200 and 5,800 metric tons respectively. Over 70% of GMS consumed in Europe is derived from non-palm sources. Strict EU regulations have pushed the demand for bio-based GMS, which rose from 8,000 metric tons in 2022 to 11,400 metric tons in 2024.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the global GMS market with over 60,000 metric tons consumed in 2023. China alone produced and consumed 40,000 metric tons, followed by India with 18,500 metric tons. Food applications led the region with 34,000 metric tons, while cosmetics contributed 13,000 metric tons. Rapid industrialization and increasing bakery product consumption among 2.4 billion people in the region are major contributors.

• Middle East & Africa

In this region, GMS consumption totaled 8,000 metric tons in 2023. The UAE and South Africa are the leading users, with 2,400 and 2,000 metric tons respectively. A growing fast-food sector has increased the demand for emulsifiers, with the food industry using 4,600 metric tons. However, pharmaceutical usage is limited, accounting for just 800 metric tons due to lower drug formulation capacities.

List of Top Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market Companies

• BASF SE
• Nouryon
• Volkem Chemical LLP
• Croda International
• Estelle Chemicals Pvt. Ltd
• Alpha Chemicals Pvt Ltd
• Marathwada Chemicals
• Gujarat Amines
• Liberty Chemicals
• M. CHEMICALS
• Maher Chemical Industries
• Acm Chemicals
• Jeevika Yugchem Private Limited
• Mohini Organics Pvt. Ltd
• Corbion
• Dupont
• Schulman
• Arkema
• Evonik Industries
• Solvay

Top 2 Companies with Highest Share

BASF SE: Accounted for 16,000 metric tons of GMS production in 2023, with over 9,000 metric tons allocated to food and cosmetics.

Corbion: Produced over 14,500 metric tons in 2023, with 6,800 metric tons delivered across Europe and North America for clean-label formulations.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The GMS market is attracting significant investment due to rising demand across key applications. In 2023, global investment in GMS manufacturing infrastructure exceeded USD 400 million in fixed capital, leading to a 12,000 metric ton expansion in annual capacity worldwide. Over 14 new plants with an average capacity of 800–1,200 metric tons annually became operational between 2022 and 2024, primarily in India, Malaysia, and Brazil.

In the Asia-Pacific region, more than USD 170 million was invested in new downstream processing facilities. China alone increased capacity by 7,000 metric tons, adding advanced equipment that reduces batch cycle time by 18%. India has seen foreign direct investment in excess of USD 50 million toward integrated fatty acid-GMS production plants, creating cost efficiency by sourcing glycerol locally.

In North America, investment has focused on pharmaceutical-grade GMS refinement. Over USD 40 million was allocated in 2023 toward cleanroom-compliant production units in the U.S., capable of producing 3,500 metric tons annually for drug applications. This shift is essential as over 65 new GMS-containing formulations entered clinical pipelines.

Europe has focused on sustainability, with more than 11,000 metric tons of annual capacity now coming from soy and sunflower-based GMS. Public-private collaborations in Germany and France led to investments of USD 30 million in R&D facilities targeting zero-carbon GMS variants.

Opportunities exist in niche markets such as biodegradable polymers and personalized nutrition. Biodegradable plastics incorporating GMS witnessed growth from 800 to 1,400 metric tons annually. Personalized nutrition products utilizing GMS-based microcapsules rose from 400 metric tons to 950 metric tons between 2021 and 2024, reflecting investment potential in precision nutrition.

New Product Development

Innovation in GMS-based products is transforming end-user applications and expanding market scope. In 2023, over 65 new GMS formulations entered the global product registry, with nearly 40% targeting the food and beverage sector. Among the most notable innovations are clean-label emulsifiers and multifunctional blends.

One of the significant innovations was the launch of high-purity (>99.5%) GMS designed for infant formula. This variant, developed in Switzerland, reduced oxidation in powdered milk by 22% and extended shelf life by up to 5 months. Over 2,200 metric tons of this variant were sold across Europe and Southeast Asia in 2023.

In the cosmetic industry, nano-GMS emulsions are now incorporated into over 130 new personal care SKUs. These emulsions provide improved dermal penetration, reducing lotion absorption time by 35%. Korean manufacturers developed a patented GMS-based sunscreen that provides SPF 50+ protection using only 0.5% synthetic chemicals, with 900 metric tons sold in Q3 2023 alone.

Pharmaceutical innovation includes GMS-based orodispersible tablets (ODTs) for pediatric care. A Canadian company launched a new ODT line in 2024 using GMS to achieve disintegration within 14 seconds—40% faster than conventional agents. Over 480 metric tons of pharma-grade GMS were allocated for this production.

Industrial GMS products have also evolved. In 2023, a Brazilian company commercialized a GMS-lubricant blend used in PVC pipe manufacturing. This innovation cut extrusion energy consumption by 12% and increased polymer surface smoothness by 18%, leading to 1,500 metric tons of industrial GMS sales.

Bio-based GMS made from algae-derived glycerol has also entered the market. A Dutch start-up scaled pilot production to 120 metric tons in 2023, showing 45% lower environmental impact. These bio-based products are gaining momentum among European buyers, especially in eco-certified applications.

Five Recent Developments

• BASF SE: launched a new pharmaceutical-grade GMS with <0.1% impurity in April 2024, producing 2,800 metric tons annually in Germany.
• Corbion: expanded its soy-based GMS facility in the Netherlands, increasing output by 4,000 metric tons in Q2 2023.
• Dupont: developed a GMS-based stabilizer for plant-based dairy, which entered 380 SKUs in North America by end of 2023.
• Croda: International introduced biodegradable GMS formulations for cosmetics, gaining approval in 22 EU markets by March 2024.
• Estelle Chemicals Pvt. Ltd: commissioned a new plant in Gujarat, India with an annual capacity of 2,100 metric tons in 2023.

Report Coverage of Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market

This report offers in-depth analysis and comprehensive coverage of the Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market across major geographies, key applications, and product types. Covering over 30 countries, the report aggregates production volumes exceeding 140,000 metric tons across multiple industries, including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing. It evaluates over 40 manufacturers and profiles 20 key players driving innovation and supply chain expansion.

Segmentation covers five core product types and four end-user application areas, detailing individual market performance with over 700 data points. Data includes consumption volumes, growth trajectories, purity trends, and sustainability markers. Market dynamics are covered thoroughly with specific attention to 16 identified drivers, 8 restraints, 10 opportunities, and 6 challenges influencing the GMS landscape through 2024.

The report tracks over 100 ongoing and completed investment projects globally, including new plant setups, capacity expansions, and technology upgrades. Over 50 new product developments have been analyzed, highlighting innovation across emulsification, thickening, and pharmaceutical delivery.

Geographically, regional analysis spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, with over 35 country-specific insights. Each region is benchmarked on production capacity, regulatory influence, application mix, and technological adoption rates.

In addition to volume-based segmentation, the report also provides comparative analysis of synthetic versus bio-based GMS usage. Over 57% of the current market output is bio-based, with significant transitions occurring across Europe and the U.S. This trend is highlighted across 12 regulatory and environmental parameters tracked.

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