Segment Analysis of Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market: Products, Applications, and End-Users

In Business Insights
September 16, 2025

Global Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.3 billion in 2024 to USD 1.9 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.

Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is a versatile food additive and emulsifier widely used across multiple industries. This monoglyceride is derived from glycerol and stearic acid, offering excellent emulsifying, stabilizing, and thickening properties. The growing demand for processed foods, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals, coupled with its multifunctional nature, makes GMS a key ingredient in modern manufacturing.

The market for GMS is experiencing steady growth, primarily driven by changing consumer lifestyles, increasing processed food consumption, and expanding personal care industries worldwide. Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are contributing significantly to market expansion as disposable incomes rise and processed food penetration increases.

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Segmentation by Purity Type

The GMS market can be divided into four key purity categories based on monoglyceride content:

1. GMS <90% Purity

This category consists of standard-grade GMS products with monoglyceride content below 90%. These products are typically used in applications where high purity isn’t critical or cost is a significant factor.

  • Market Insight: Food manufacturers often use this grade for basic emulsification needs in low-cost processed foods where premium performance isn’t required.
  • Trend: Developing nations show strong demand for low-purity GMS as food processors balance quality and cost considerations.

2. GMS 90%-95% Purity

Mid-range purity GMS offers better performance than the basic grade while remaining cost-effective for many applications.

  • Market Insight: Representing the largest market share, this grade serves as the workhorse for bakery, dairy, and confectionery products needing consistent emulsification.
  • Trend: Food manufacturers are gradually upgrading from <90% to this purity level to improve product quality without significant cost increases.

3. GMS 95%-98% Purity

High-purity GMS delivers superior performance in demanding applications requiring excellent emulsification and stability.

  • Market Insight: This segment is growing rapidly as premium food products and specialized pharmaceutical formulations demand higher-performance emulsifiers.
  • Trend: Pharmaceutical companies increasing their excipient standards are driving adoption of this purity grade.

4. GMS >98% Purity

Ultra-high purity GMS is used in critical applications where absolute consistency and performance are mandatory.

  • Market Insight: Pharmaceutical grade applications dominate this segment, particularly in tablet formulations and specialty drug delivery systems.
  • Trend: The growing biologics market is creating new opportunities for ultra-pure GMS in novel drug formulations.

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Segmentation by Application

GMS serves diverse industries, each exploiting its unique functional properties for different purposes.

1. Personal Care Products

In personal care, GMS functions as an emollient, thickener, and stabilizer in creams, lotions, and hair care products.

  • Insight: The fastest-growing application sector, driven by increasing global demand for personal care products and the shift toward multifunctional ingredients.
  • Trend: Clean label and natural personal care formulations are creating opportunities for plant-derived high-purity GMS products.

2. Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical applications utilize GMS as an excipient, binder, and solubilizing agent in various drug formulations.

  • Insight: Strict quality requirements make this a high-value segment, with preference for >95% purity grades.
  • Trend: The growth of generic drugs and specialized formulations in developing markets is boosting pharmaceutical GMS consumption.

3. Food Additives

As a food additive, GMS improves texture, shelf-life, and consistency in numerous processed foods.

  • Insight: Still the largest application segment despite slower growth compared to personal care and pharmaceuticals.
  • Trend: Clean label movement is prompting food manufacturers to reformulate with ‘natural’ emulsifiers like GMS to replace synthetic alternatives.

4. Other Industrial Applications

GMS finds use in various industrial applications including plastics, textiles, and coatings as a lubricant and processing aid.

  • Insight: A niche but stable segment with consistent demand from industrial applications where GMS provides unique performance benefits.
  • Trend: Developing bio-based alternatives in these applications could impact future GMS demand patterns.

Read Full Report Here: 2023-2028 Global and Regional Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Segmentation by End-User

1. Food & Beverage Manufacturers

Food processors represent the largest consumer group, using GMS across bakery, dairy, confectionery, and processed food products.

  • Insight: Asia-Pacific food manufacturers are driving volume growth, while Western markets focus on premium formulations.
  • Trend: Plant-based food innovation is creating new applications for GMS in alternative dairy and meat products.

2. Cosmetic & Personal Care Companies

This segment includes manufacturers of skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products utilizing GMS for its multifunctional properties.

  • Insight: The premiumization of personal care products is increasing demand for higher purity grades of GMS.
  • Trend: Direct-to-consumer beauty brands are expanding the market by launching innovative formulations.

3. Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Firms

This category encompasses drug manufacturers and supplement producers using GMS in formulations.

  • Insight: Regulatory requirements make this the most quality-sensitive segment with strict specifications for GMS products.
  • Trend: Growth in generic pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals is supporting steady demand increases.

4. Industrial Manufacturers

Various industrial operations utilize GMS for its technical performance characteristics.

  • Insight: A price-sensitive segment where lower purity grades typically dominate.
  • Trend: Sustainability initiatives may shift some applications to alternative materials over time.

The Glycerol Monostearate market demonstrates diverse growth patterns across its segmentation landscape. By purity type, the 90%-95% segment remains dominant, while >95% purity grades are growing fastest in pharmaceutical applications. By application, personal care leads growth, though food additives still account for the largest share. By end-user, food manufacturers continue to drive volume, while pharmaceutical and personal care companies contribute higher value.

Read Full Report Here: 2023-2028 Global and Regional Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Download FREE Sample Report: 2023-2028 Global and Regional Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report