Name: China Supplier High Quality Best Price glycerine monolaurate for use in Skin Care Products
Brand: Wuhan Fortuna Chemical Co., Ltd.

Glycerine monolaurate (GML), also known as monolaurin or glyceryl laurate, is a monoglyceride. This means it is an ester formed by the reaction of one molecule of glycerol (glycerine) with one molecule of lauric acid (a 12-carbon saturated fatty acid). It is a naturally occurring compound found in significant amounts in coconut oil and human breast milk, though for commercial and research purposes, it is produced synthetically to achieve high purity.

Its chemical formula is C₁₅H₃₀O₄, and it is classified as a non-ionic surfactant due to its amphiphilic nature—it has a hydrophilic head (the glycerol and free hydroxyl groups) and a lipophilic tail (the lauric acid chain). This structure is the key to its diverse functionalities.

Key Properties and Mechanism of Action

Potent Antimicrobial Activity: This is GML's most renowned property. It is highly effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including:

Mechanism: GML integrates into the lipid bilayer of the pathogen's cell membrane or viral envelope. Its surfactant properties disrupt the membrane's integrity, causing leakage of cellular contents and ultimately leading to the lysis (bursting) and death of the microbe. It is particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria because it can disrupt their membrane without needing to cross an outer membrane, which gram-negative bacteria possess.

Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Listeria, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus)
Viruses with lipid envelopes (e.g., Herpes simplex, HIV, Influenza, Cytomegalovirus)
Yeasts and Fungi (e.g., Candida albicans)
Certain Protozoa
Emulsifying Properties: As a surfactant, GML reduces surface tension between oil and water phases, making it an excellent emulsifier, stabilizer, and dispersing agent in formulations.

Synthesis

While it occurs naturally, commercial GML is typically produced through one of two methods:

Esterification: A direct reaction between glycerol and lauric acid, often catalyzed by an acid or an enzyme (lipase).
Glycerolysis: The reaction of glycerol with a triglyceride source high in lauric acid (like coconut oil or palm kernel oil). This process produces a mixture of mono-, di-, and triglycerides, from which GML is purified.

Primary Applications

Application Sector	How it is Used
Food Industry	• Preservative: Extends shelf life by inhibiting microbial spoilage in products like cheese, meat, and baked goods. • Emulsifier: Used in whipped toppings, margarine, and other products to create stable, uniform textures. It is approved as a food additive (E number E471 in the EU, which is a general code for mono- and diglycerides).
Cosmetics & Personal Care	• Emulsifier & Stabilizer: Helps blend oil and water in lotions, creams, and makeup. • Antimicrobial Agent: Acts as a gentle, broad-spectrum preservative to prevent contamination in products. • Emollient: Contributes to the smooth feel of products on the skin.
Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals	• Immune Support: Widely sold in supplement form for its purported ability to support the immune system and fight infections. • Drug Delivery: Its surfactant properties are studied for enhancing the absorption of certain drugs. • Topical Applications: Used in creams and ointments for its antimicrobial effects on skin infections.
Animal Feed	Added to feed to promote gut health, improve growth performance, and act as an antibiotic alternative in livestock and poultry.

Safety and Regulation

Glycerine monolaurate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA for use as a direct food additive. It is also approved for use in cosmetics and food applications globally. Its safety profile is excellent, as it is metabolized in the body into glycerol and lauric acid, both of which are natural constituents of food.

Summary

In essence, glycerine monolaurate is a versatile compound derived from natural sources. Its unique chemical structure it powerful antimicrobial and emulsifying properties, making it a valuable ingredient across the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Its role as a natural preservative and immune-supporting supplement continues to drive significant interest and research.