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Glycerol Monostearate Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Type (Emulsifying, Non-Emulsifying), By Application (Emulsifier, Thickener, Preservative, Others), By End Use (Food & Beverages, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical, Others), and Regional Analysis, 2024-2031
Pages: 180 | Base Year: 2023 | Release: May 2025 | Author: Versha V.
Key strategic points
The market involves the production, distribution, and application of glycerol monostearate, a widely used emulsifier, thickening agent, and stabilizer derived from glycerol and stearic acid.
Glycerol monostearate is predominantly utilized across the food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, and plastics industries due to its multifunctional properties, including its ability to enhance product texture, extend shelf life, and improve moisture retention. The report provides insights into the core drivers of market growth, supported by an in-depth evaluation of industry trends and regulatory frameworks.
The global glycerol monostearate market size was valued at USD 1350.6 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 1423.0 million in 2024 to USD 2120.5 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.86% during the forecast period.
This growth is attributed to the expanding use of glycerol monostearate in processed foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and plastics, driven by its multifunctional properties such as emulsification, stabilization, and moisture retention. Increasing consumer preference for convenient and shelf-stable food products is boosting demand for food-grade emulsifiers, particularly in bakery and dairy applications.
Major companies operating in the glycerol monostearate industry are Evonik Industries AG, Estelle Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Croda International Plc, Kao Corporation, Loba Chemie Pvt. Ltd., Alfa Chemistry, Wilmar International Ltd, Oleon NV, BASF Corporation 2025, ACM Chemicals, MLA Group of Industries, ACURO ORGANICS LIMITED, Guangzhou Cardlo biotechnology Co.,LTD, PRAKASH CHEMICALS AGENCIES PVT. LTD, and Ghanshyam Chemicals
Additionally, advancements in formulation technologies and the push for clean-label ingredients in food and personal care sectors are supporting market expansion. The growing focus on product quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainable manufacturing practices is further accelerating the adoption of glycerol monostearate across diverse end-use industries.
Market Driver
"Rising Demand for Food Emulsifiers in Processed Foods"
The growth of the glycerol monostearate market is propelled by the rising demand for food emulsifiers in processed food products. As urban lifestyles evolve and the demand for ready-to-eat meals, baked goods, and dairy products grows, food manufacturers increasingly rely on emulsifiers such as glycerol monostearate to ensure product stability, improved texture, and extended shelf life.
The compound’s ability to maintain emulsification, prevent ingredient separation, and enhance mouthfeel makes it an essential additive in modern food production. This functional versatility is particularly valuable in high-throughput processing environments, where consistency and longevity are critical for product success.
With rising consumer demand for quality and convenience, and food processors' focus on scalability and cost-efficiency, there is a growing use of glycerol monostearate in processed food, solidyfing its role as a key ingredient.
Market Challenge
"Regulatory Compliance Challenges"
The glycerol monostearate market faces increasing regulatory challenges due to evolving standards for food additives and emulsifiers. Regulatory bodies are enforcing rigorous safety, labeling, and ingredient transparency requirements, pressuring manufacturers to meet comply while maintaining product quality and competitiveness. Furthermore, variations in regulatory standards across regions make it difficult for manufacturers to achieve global compliance.
In some markets, glycerol monostearate must undergo additional testing or certification processes, which can result in higher production costs and extended time-to-market.
This increasing complexity in the regulatory landscape requires businesses to invest in compliance management systems, conduct regular audits, and maintain transparency in their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes.
To mitigate these regulatory hurdles, manufacturers are focusing on developing alternative formulations and improving their research and development capabilities. Additionally, active participation in industry groups and staying updated on emerging regulations can help companies meet compliance requirements and facilitate market entry.
Market Trend
"Expanding Use in Personal Care and Cosmetics"
The growing use in personal care and cosmetics is emerging as a notable trend in the glycerol monostearate market. This trend is supported by its functional properties, such as emulsifying, stabilizing, and thickening abilities, which enhance product texture and performance.
As consumer interest in clean beauty products increases, glycerol monostearate is gaining popularity due to its natural and mild formulation. Additionally, the expanding use of glycerol monostearate in premium and luxury cosmetics increases its appeal, as it supports the creation of high-end products that are both effective and gentle on the skin.
This trend emphasizes the growing role of glycerol monostearate in the evolving personal care industry, where product innovation and consumer demands for safe, high-performing ingredients are reshaping the market.
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Segmentation |
Details |
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By Type |
Emulsifying, Non-Emulsifying |
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By Application |
Emulsifier, Thickener, Preservative, and Others |
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By End Use |
Food & Beverages, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical, and Others |
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By Region |
North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico |
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Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe |
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Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific |
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Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa |
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South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America |
Market Segmentation
Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.
The Asia Pacific glycerol monostearate market share stood at around 35.77% in 2023, valued at USD 483.2 million. The dominance is attributed to the increasing consumption of processed foods, rising demand for personal care products, and the expanding pharmaceutical sector.
Rapid urbanization, a growing middle-class population, and shifting consumer preferences toward convenience foods are highlighting the need for food additives such as glycerol monostearate.
Additionally, evolving consumer lifestyles and the rising use of processed and packaged goods continue to support the region's leading position. The presence of a large consumer base and increasing awareness of product quality and shelf-life enhancement are fostering regional market expansion.
The Europe glycerol monostearate industry is set to grow at CAGR of 5.79% over the forecast period. This growth is supported by rising consumer demand for clean-label and functional ingredients in food and personal care products.
Regulatory initiatives promoting the use of bio-based additives and the region's strong emphasis on sustainability are prompting manufacturers to adopt glycerol monostearate in product formulations.
Additionally, advancements in emulsifier technologies and increasing R&D investments by regional players are fostering innovation and expanding applications across multiple end-use industries.
The glycerol monostearate industry is characterized by the presence of several well-established players competing on the basis ofproduct quality, pricing strategies, innovation, and distribution networks.
Companies are actively investing in R&D to enhance product functionality and expand their application portfolio, particularly in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions are also being employed to strengthen market positioning and increase global reach.
Moreover, key players are focusing on sustainable sourcing and manufacturing practices to align with evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
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