Common Name(s): Glyceryl laurate se,self-emulsifying glyceryl monolaurate,gml se
CAS Number: 27215-38-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps oil and water blend easily without extra emulsifiers and also helps protect against some microbes.
Why It's Used: Se (self-emulsifying) grade contains ~5% soap which allows spontaneous emulsification on contact with water; also valued for inherent antimicrobial properties of glyceryl monolaurate.
How It Works: Residual soap (sodium laurate) in se grade lowers interfacial tension spontaneously; glyceryl laurate provides hlb ~5–6 emulsification and antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria and fungi.
Typically Found In: Self-emulsifying systems,antimicrobial creams,preservation-boosted formulas,natural cosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,antimicrobial,moisturizing
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Glycerin from plant; lauric acid from coconut/palm; se grade contains minimal soap. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Well tolerated; se grade slightly more irritating than pure gml due to soap content.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Plant oils,humectants,preservative systems,natural emulsifiers
Avoid Combining With: Avoid with cationic surfactants (soap precipitation)
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Glyceryl monolaurate (gml) has documented antimicrobial activity (disrupts gram-positive bacterial lipid membranes); the se grade facilitates use in water-containing systems where pure gml (hlb ~5.2) would not spontaneously emulsify.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,cir safety assessment glyceryl monolaurate