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

Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market

The Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market size was valued at USD 1,070.18 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,103.36 Million in 2025, growing to USD 1,414.95 Million by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period [2025-2033].

The Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market in the U.S. holds a significant share, driven by growing demand from industries like food & beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The U.S. remains a key player in the GMS market expansion.

The Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market is seeing steady growth, fueled by its extensive use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. GMS, a non-toxic, versatile emulsifier, plays a critical role in enhancing product texture, stability, and shelf-life. It is used in a wide variety of applications, from bakery goods to personal care products. With the rising demand for natural ingredients and clean-label products, GMS is gaining popularity due to its favorable properties. The market is further bolstered by increasing consumer awareness about food safety and the growing demand for high-quality personal care products, accounting for nearly 15-20% of the market’s demand.

Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market Trends 

The Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market is exhibiting robust trends, driven by key factors in multiple industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. As an emulsifier, GMS is a valuable ingredient that helps in improving the texture and consistency of various products, especially in the food sector, where it is used in baked goods, margarine, and confectioneries. The demand for GMS in the cosmetics industry is also on the rise, as it enhances the quality and performance of lotions, creams, and shampoos by acting as a stabilizer and thickening agent. GMS usage in these sectors is expected to grow by 10-12% annually, particularly due to increasing preference for clean-label, natural ingredients.Additionally, the increased preference for natural ingredients in food and cosmetics is boosting GMS adoption. Consumers’ growing awareness of the benefits of natural emulsifiers is prompting manufacturers to switch from synthetic additives to plant-based and bio-derived emulsifiers like GMS. This trend is particularly evident in the growing demand for clean-label products, accounting for roughly 25% of the overall market. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sector is increasingly utilizing GMS as a stabilizing agent in oral and topical formulations. The market is also witnessing continuous innovations, including improved production methods, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality GMS. The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a significant market, with the region seeing a 15-20% increase in GMS adoption, owing to the expanding consumer base and industrial applications in China and India.

Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market Dynamics

The GMS market is significantly influenced by several key dynamics shaping its growth trajectory. Rising consumer awareness about the advantages of GMS over synthetic emulsifiers and the growing demand for clean-label and natural products are fueling market expansion. The demand for GMS in food products, especially those requiring improved texture and stability, has increased by 10-15%, driven by consumers’ increasing preference for natural ingredients. Additionally, the increasing adoption of GMS in diverse industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, is contributing to its growing demand. The emergence of e-commerce platforms for GMS distribution and the rising awareness regarding sustainable manufacturing practices are also key drivers.

On the other hand, the market faces some challenges, such as fluctuating raw material prices and regulatory complexities in different regions. For instance, the volatility in the prices of raw materials like vegetable oils could affect the overall GMS production cost by around 5-10%. Despite this, the consistent growth of the food and beverage industry, especially in developing economies, offers significant opportunities for the GMS market. Moreover, the rising focus on health-conscious products, such as low-fat or reduced-calorie foods, is expected to benefit the GMS market as it is widely used in fat replacers. Overall, the GMS market is witnessing a positive shift driven by the growing demand for safer, more effective emulsifiers.

Drivers of Market Growth 

"Growing Demand for Natural Emulsifiers"

One of the primary drivers of the GMS market is the increasing consumer demand for natural, non-synthetic food ingredients. The shift toward clean-label products, which are free from artificial additives and preservatives, is driving the adoption of GMS. As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a marked preference for ingredients that are plant-derived, non-toxic, and safe. GMS, as a natural emulsifier, aligns with these demands, particularly in food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care sectors. This trend is expected to significantly boost the market, offering growth opportunities for manufacturers. The demand for natural emulsifiers like GMS is expected to grow by 12-15% in the next 5 years.

Market Restraints

"High Raw Material Costs"

The GMS market faces certain challenges, with one of the significant restraints being the fluctuating prices of raw materials. GMS is primarily derived from natural sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats, and any instability in these raw material costs can lead to price volatility. This can affect the production costs and overall profitability of manufacturers, especially in regions where raw material supply is limited. Furthermore, the complex regulatory frameworks for natural ingredients in certain markets could also hinder the market’s growth. Such factors may restrict the ability of producers to meet the growing demand effectively, contributing to a potential 5-7% cost increase in production.

Market Opportunities

"Rising Demand in the Pharmaceutical Industry"

The pharmaceutical industry presents a significant opportunity for GMS growth, especially as demand for emulsifiers in drug formulations continues to increase. GMS is widely used in pharmaceutical applications such as tablets, capsules, and creams due to its stabilizing and emulsifying properties. Additionally, as the global population ages, the need for more efficient drug delivery systems increases, thereby driving demand for high-quality emulsifiers like GMS. With the expanding pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries in emerging markets, especially in Asia-Pacific, the GMS market is poised for increased opportunities in the coming years, potentially driving growth by 10-15%.

Market Challenges

"Stringent Regulatory Standards"

Despite the growing demand for GMS, the market faces significant challenges posed by stringent regulations across different regions. Regulatory bodies have set specific standards for the use of emulsifiers in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, which can create barriers for manufacturers. Compliance with these regulations often requires significant investments in R&D and quality assurance to ensure products meet the necessary safety and health standards. Furthermore, the varying standards across regions such as the European Union, North America, and Asia-Pacific create complexities for global players, making market entry and expansion more challenging. These factors could slow market growth by 5-8%.

Segmentation Analysis 

The Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market is segmented based on type and application. By type, GMS is used in various forms such as emulsifiers (40%), thickeners (25%), anti-caking agents (15%), stabilizers (10%), and others (10%). These types are utilized in a wide range of applications, including food and beverages (40%), cosmetics (30%), pharmaceuticals (20%), and others (10%). The food & beverage industry is a dominant sector in the market due to the increasing demand for natural ingredients in processed foods. Cosmetics and personal care industries follow closely, as GMS is known for its excellent emulsifying and stabilizing properties in creams, lotions, and shampoos.

By Type

• Emulsifier:Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is primarily used as an emulsifier in the food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. It helps to blend ingredients that typically do not mix well, such as oil and water. This characteristic makes GMS ideal for use in products like margarine, ice cream, and emulsified drugs. In the food industry, GMS’s use as an emulsifier is expected to account for 35-40% of the total market share, driven by the growing preference for natural and safe ingredients in processed foods.

• Thickening Agent:GMS is used as a thickening agent in numerous food and cosmetic products. It provides texture and consistency, especially in products like sauces, soups, and lotions. As the demand for stable, high-quality formulations increases, GMS as a thickening agent is gaining popularity, contributing to about 20-25% of the market.

• Anti-Caking Agent:In powdered food products and pharmaceuticals, GMS is widely utilized as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping. This application is particularly prevalent in powdered spices, seasonings, and milk powders, contributing to approximately 15-20% of the total GMS market.

• Stabilizer:GMS’s stabilizing properties are essential in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, where it helps maintain consistency and texture in products like lotions, creams, and oral tablets. The demand for GMS as a stabilizer is growing in the pharmaceutical sector, accounting for 25-30% of the market.

By Application 

• Food & Beverage: GMS plays a significant role in the food and beverage industry, accounting for approximately 40-45% of the total market share. It is used as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer in products like baked goods, ice cream, and sauces. With increasing demand for clean-label and natural ingredients, GMS continues to see robust growth in this sector.

• Cosmetics & Personal Care:In the cosmetics industry, GMS is widely used for its emulsifying and stabilizing properties in lotions, shampoos, and creams. This segment holds around 25-30% of the market share, driven by consumer preference for natural ingredients.

• Pharmaceuticals: GMS is increasingly used in the pharmaceutical industry for drug formulations, where it serves as an emulsifier and stabilizer. The pharmaceutical segment contributes about 20-25% to the GMS market, driven by the growth of the global healthcare sector.

• Others:In other industries, such as textiles and paints, GMS is used for its stabilizing and emulsifying properties. The "others" segment accounts for about 10-15% of the GMS market.

Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Regional Outlook 

The Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market is growing across various regions, with each region experiencing unique trends and demands. North America is the dominant region, driven by strong demand from the food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care sectors, holding around 35-40% market share. Europe follows with 25-30% market share, where consumer preferences for clean-label and natural ingredients are pushing the demand for GMS. Asia-Pacific accounts for 20-25%, particularly in China and India, with expanding consumer bases and increasing industrial applications. Middle East & Africa holds a smaller share of about 5-8% but is growing steadily due to improved infrastructure.

North America 

North America holds the largest market share in the Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market, accounting for around 35-40%. The region’s robust food & beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries are key factors driving this demand. The food industry, in particular, utilizes GMS as an emulsifier and stabilizer in processed foods, contributing significantly to market growth. Furthermore, with a rising preference for natural and organic ingredients in personal care products, the demand for GMS in cosmetics has increased. Additionally, the well-established healthcare sector in North America has propelled GMS adoption in pharmaceutical applications, further consolidating its market dominance in the region.

Europe 

Europe holds the second-largest market share in the Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market, accounting for approximately 25-30%. The European market is witnessing strong demand for natural emulsifiers in food and cosmetic products due to increasing consumer preference for clean-label and natural ingredients. The growing popularity of plant-based products has also contributed to the rise in GMS usage in the food industry, where it is commonly used in margarine and baked goods. Additionally, the cosmetic industry in Europe, which emphasizes high-quality, stable formulations, continues to rely on GMS as a key ingredient, contributing to its steady growth in the region.

Asia-Pacific 

Asia-Pacific is one of the fastest-growing regions in the Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market, accounting for approximately 20-25% of the total market. The growing consumer base in countries like China and India is driving the demand for processed foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, where GMS is used for its emulsifying and stabilizing properties. As the middle class expands, demand for high-quality, safe, and effective ingredients like GMS is expected to continue growing. Additionally, the region's expanding industrial applications in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics are further fueling the adoption of GMS in Asia-Pacific.

 Middle East & Africa 

The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region holds a smaller share of the Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market, accounting for around 5-8%. However, the region is witnessing gradual growth due to improvements in healthcare, food processing, and cosmetic industries. The demand for GMS in the food sector is rising, particularly in processed foods and beverages. In the cosmetics industry, the increasing preference for natural ingredients is also contributing to GMS adoption. Additionally, with the growing focus on healthcare infrastructure and pharmaceuticals in the region, GMS is expected to see steady demand in drug formulations and related applications in the coming years.

List of Key Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market Companies Profiled

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

Two Top Companies with Highest Market Share

• BASF SE: BASF holds a dominant share of around 20-25% in the global Glycerol Monostearate market, due to its extensive product portfolio and strong presence in various industries such as food, personal care, and pharmaceuticals.

• Nouryon: Nouryon holds approximately 15-20% of the market share, benefiting from its focus on producing high-quality GMS for diverse applications, particularly in the food and cosmetics industries.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities 

The global Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market presents numerous investment opportunities driven by increasing demand across various industries such as food & beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In the food and beverage sector, GMS is widely used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickening agent. This has spurred investments in research and development (R&D) for more sustainable and natural product formulations. Companies are focusing on expanding their production capacities to meet the rising demand for clean-label ingredients. For instance, BASF SE and Nouryon, two of the leading players, have increased their investments in GMS production plants in North America and Europe to address the growing demand for natural ingredients in food products. The demand for GMS is projected to grow by approximately 25-30% in the next 5 years as a result of these investments.Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry is contributing to the market’s growth, with a demand for GMS in drug formulations, especially for tablets and emulsions. This opens investment potential in pharmaceutical manufacturing and the development of specialized GMS formulations for controlled drug delivery systems. The pharmaceutical sector’s demand for GMS is expected to increase by about 20% in the coming years.In addition, the expanding middle class in Asia-Pacific, particularly in China and India, offers a substantial market for GMS in both personal care and food sectors. With rising disposable incomes, consumer preferences for high-quality, stable products are increasing, thus creating a profitable investment outlook for manufacturers and distributors. As the demand for sustainable and high-performance ingredients continues to grow, more investments are expected in the GMS market across these regions.

New Products Development 

In recent years, the Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market has seen significant innovations and new product developments, with manufacturers focusing on enhancing the properties and applications of GMS to cater to a broader range of industries. As consumer preferences shift toward natural and eco-friendly ingredients, companies are developing new, plant-based GMS formulations to replace synthetic alternatives. For example, BASF SE has introduced a new range of GMS products derived from sustainable sources, aligning with the rising demand for natural emulsifiers in food and personal care products. These new product innovations are expected to account for nearly 30-35% of the total GMS production by 2025.

Moreover, in response to the growing demand for clean-label and allergen-free products, manufacturers are enhancing the performance of GMS to serve as a more effective emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickening agent. Companies such as Nouryon have expanded their portfolio by offering GMS products that cater to specific needs in various food applications, including low-fat or plant-based alternatives. These products are expected to see a market share increase of around 20% by the end of 2025.The personal care and cosmetics sectors have also witnessed new developments in GMS products. These developments focus on improving the skin compatibility and texture-enhancing properties of GMS, making it an essential ingredient in creams, lotions, and shampoos. Additionally, innovations in GMS are geared toward improving the stability and shelf-life of pharmaceutical formulations, which include oral tablets and emulsions. As a result, GMS applications in pharmaceuticals are expected to increase by approximately 18% in the next few years.These continuous advancements in GMS products offer significant opportunities for manufacturers to meet the growing consumer demand for high-quality, versatile, and eco-friendly ingredients across multiple applications.

Recent Developments by Manufacturers in Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market 

• BASF SE: In 2023, BASF SE expanded its production of Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) with the opening of a new manufacturing facility in North America. This investment aimed to meet the increasing demand for sustainable, clean-label ingredients in the food and personal care sectors. BASF’s new production capacity is expected to support growing consumer preferences for natural and non-GMO emulsifiers, contributing to a projected 25% growth in GMS demand over the next 5 years.

• Nouryon: In 2024, Nouryon launched a new line of GMS products tailored for the personal care industry. These products focus on improving skin compatibility and enhancing product stability in lotions, creams, and shampoos. Nouryon's development aims to capture the rising demand for high-quality emulsifiers in the clean beauty segment, with an anticipated increase of 20% in GMS demand within personal care applications.

• Croda International: In 2023, Croda International developed a new plant-based GMS product aimed at the food and beverage industry. The product is derived from sustainable sources, providing a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional synthetic emulsifiers. This product is expected to account for 15% of Croda’s total GMS production by 2025.

• Estelle Chemicals Pvt. Ltd: In 2024, Estelle Chemicals introduced an innovative GMS formulation for pharmaceutical applications. The new product is designed to improve drug stability, particularly for emulsions and controlled drug delivery systems, positioning the company to tap into the expanding pharmaceutical sector, expected to grow by 20% over the next 5 years.

• Marathwada Chemicals: In 2023, Marathwada Chemicals launched an advanced GMS variant that enhances the texture and emulsifying properties of food products. This product is gaining traction in the bakery industry, where demand for high-quality emulsifiers in baked goods continues to rise, with market share expected to increase by 10% in the next 2 years.

Report Coverage of Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) Market

The Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) market report offers a comprehensive analysis of key market dynamics, including segmentation, regional outlook, and competitive landscape. The report provides an in-depth examination of the market, focusing on both the type and application segments. By type, it analyzes the use of GMS in emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickening agents, and anti-caking applications, while the application sections explore GMS's role in food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors. These types are expected to grow by an average of 10-15% annually over the next 5 years.In addition to analyzing the market trends and dynamics, the report also covers the latest developments and innovations by major market players. Companies such as BASF SE, Nouryon, Croda International, and Estelle Chemicals are profiled to provide insights into their market share, strategies, and product portfolios, which collectively represent about 60% of the global market.

Regional analysis is another critical component of the report, as it assesses the market size and growth potential in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. The report delves into the increasing demand for natural and sustainable GMS formulations in these regions, particularly in the food & beverage and personal care industries. North America is expected to hold a 40% share of the market by 2025.Overall, the report provides valuable insights into the current state of the GMS market, along with future growth opportunities, investment trends, and emerging applications. This comprehensive analysis serves as an essential resource for stakeholders in the GMS market to make informed decisions.