GMS (glyceryl monostearate) is a fatty-acid ester widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier, thickener, and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water creams and lotions. It improves texture and helps blend aqueous and oil phases.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally considered low-irritation; occasional mild redness in sensitive individuals. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated sensitization reports; uncommon given its widespread use. |
Comedogenicity / pore congestion | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone skin, depending on formulation. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.