Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is a Must-Have in Facial Cream Formulation
বাংলা পোস্ট
Ever wondered why your facial cream feels so smooth, blends beautifully on your skin, and remains stable for months without separating?
The answer could be a humble yet powerful ingredient called Glycerol Monostearate (GMS).
While active ingredients like Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid grab the spotlight, GMS quietly does the heavy lifting—helping your cream maintain its texture, stability, and spreadability.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into:
-
✅ What is GMS?
-
🌿 Why is it used in facial creams?
-
💧 Key benefits for skin and formulation
-
🧪 How to properly use GMS in your cream
-
🔍 SEO keywords to boost your content’s visibility
Let’s break it down.
🌱 What is Glycerol Monostearate (GMS)?
Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is a waxy, white, odorless compound derived from glycerin and stearic acid. It is commonly used as:
-
An emulsifier – to blend oil and water together
-
A thickener – to give body to a formulation
-
A stabilizer – to prevent the cream from separating
-
A skin conditioning agent – to improve skin feel
In facial creams, GMS is essential for creating a uniform, luxurious, and long-lasting product that looks good, feels amazing, and works effectively.
✅ Why Use GMS in Facial Creams?
Facial creams are a complex blend of water-based and oil-based ingredients. Without something to bind these two together, the cream will eventually separate.
That’s where GMS comes in.
It plays a supporting but crucial role in facial cream formulation by:
-
Creating a stable emulsion
-
Providing a silky, non-greasy texture
-
Helping other active ingredients absorb better into the skin
-
Extending shelf life and consistency
Whether you’re making a lightweight moisturizer or a rich night cream, GMS improves both form and function.
🌟 Key Benefits of GMS in Facial Cream Formulation
1. 🧴 It Works as an Effective Emulsifier
Oil and water don’t mix naturally. GMS bridges the gap.
It helps emulsify both phases, resulting in a homogenous and stable cream that:
-
Doesn’t separate
-
Looks professional
-
Spreads evenly
This is especially important in creams that use natural oils or botanical extracts.
2. 💧 Adds Moisture-Retaining Properties
GMS doesn’t just help with texture—it also acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
This makes the cream:
-
More hydrating
-
Longer-lasting in effect
-
Perfect for dry or dehydrated skin
3. 🌿 Provides a Soft, Silky Skin Feel
No one wants a sticky or greasy cream on their face.
GMS creates a lightweight, smooth finish that leaves the skin feeling:
-
Soft
-
Balanced
-
Non-oily
This makes it ideal for both day creams and night creams.
4. 🔐 Improves Product Stability
One of the biggest issues with natural skincare is shelf stability.
GMS helps by:
-
Preventing the separation of oil and water
-
Keeping your formulation intact over time
-
Enhancing the performance of preservatives
This is key for both homemade and commercial creams.
5. 🧬 Enhances Delivery of Active Ingredients
A well-structured cream allows better penetration of active ingredients like:
-
Vitamin C (SAP)
-
Niacinamide
-
Hyaluronic Acid
-
Panthenol (B5)
GMS improves spreadability and absorption, allowing these ingredients to do their job more efficiently.
🧪 How to Use GMS in Facial Cream Formulas
✅ Usage Rate:
Product Type | GMS Recommended % |
---|---|
Light facial cream | 1% – 3% |
Moisturizing cream | 3% – 5% |
Heavy night cream | 5% – 7% |
📌 Start low if you want a thinner, lotion-like texture. Increase for thicker, richer creams.
✅ How to Incorporate GMS Properly:
-
Add GMS to the oil phase of your formulation
-
Heat the oil phase to 65–70°C to melt the GMS completely
-
Blend oil and water phases together using a high-speed blender
-
Allow the emulsion to cool before adding heat-sensitive ingredients
-
Mix well and pour into clean containers
GMS works best when paired with other emulsifiers or stabilizers, such as Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, or Emulsifying Wax.
✅ Compatible Ingredients:
Ingredient | Works Well With GMS To… |
---|---|
Glycerin | Boost skin hydration |
Jojoba Oil | Improve emollience |
Shea Butter | Add rich moisture |
Panthenol (B5) | Soothe and repair skin |
Aloe Vera | Calm and hydrate skin |
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) | Extend product shelf life |
🧴 DIY Facial Cream Recipe with GMS (Simple & Effective)
Ingredients:
-
45 ml distilled water
-
5 ml jojoba oil
-
2 g GMS (approx. 4%)
-
1 tsp aloe vera gel
-
0.5 ml natural preservative (e.g., Optiphen)
Instructions:
-
Heat jojoba oil and GMS together until fully melted
-
Heat distilled water separately
-
Combine the two phases while blending
-
Let it cool below 40°C
-
Add aloe vera gel and preservative
-
Mix well and store in a clean glass jar
✅ Apply morning and evening for hydrated, smooth skin.
⚠️ Precautions & Pro Tips
-
✅ Always use cosmetic-grade GMS
-
✅ Avoid using too much—can cause a waxy texture
-
✅ Test your formulation for separation and pH
-
✅ Use in combination with other emulsifiers for best stability
-
✅ Patch test before applying a new cream to your face
💬 Real Formulators Say:
“GMS helped me perfect the texture of my homemade face cream. It feels professional now!”
“Without GMS, my cream was separating after a week. Now it’s silky, smooth, and stable.”
✅ Final Thoughts – Why GMS Deserves a Place in Your Facial Cream
Glycerol Monostearate may not be the star ingredient, but it’s the foundation that holds your cream together—literally and figuratively.
It helps you create a cream that is:
-
Stable
-
Soft
-
Hydrating
-
Professional
-
And a pleasure to use
So whether you’re a DIY hobbyist or a skincare entrepreneur, adding GMS to your formulation is a smart move for both performance and presentation.
One thought on “Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is a Must-Have in Facial Cream Formulation”