Global Glycerol Monooleate Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2033

Glycerol Monooleate Market Size

• The global glycerol monooleate market size was valued at USD 237.06 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 334.55 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period
• The market growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for bio-based emulsifiers and surfactants across food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial applications, as manufacturers shift toward natural, multifunctional ingredients that enhance product stability, texture, and shelf life
• Furthermore, rising adoption of glycerol monooleate in advanced drug delivery systems, functional beverages, plant-based dairy alternatives, and cosmetic formulations is expanding its application scope and creating new opportunities across diverse end-use industries, thereby accelerating market growth

Glycerol Monooleate Market Analysis

• Glycerol monooleate, a monoglyceride with excellent emulsifying, moisturizing, and stabilizing properties, is becoming a key component in formulations requiring water-in-oil emulsions, controlled release in therapeutics, and clean-label product development, increasing its indispensability in both consumer and industrial segments
• The market is further supported by ongoing technological advancements in oleochemical processing, which improve the purity, consistency, and performance of glycerol monooleate, enabling its use in high-value applications such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and specialty chemicals
• Asia-Pacific dominated the glycerol monooleate market with a share of 32.6% in 2025, due to the strong presence of oleochemical producers, expanding food processing activities, and increasing demand from cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications
• North America is expected to be the fastest growing region in the glycerol monooleate market during the forecast period due to increasing demand for bio-based ingredients in food, cosmetics, industrial lubricants, and pharmaceutical formulations
• Food grade segment dominated the market with a market share of 70.5% in 2025, due to increasing utilization of glycerol monooleate as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and texturizing ingredient in processed foods. Growing consumption of bakery, confectionery, and ready-to-eat food products has strengthened demand, especially among manufacturers that prioritize consistency, shelf-life enhancement, and clean-label inputs. Food-grade glycerol monooleate is also favored due to regulatory approvals across various regions, which ensures formulation safety in beverages, dairy, and nutritional products. Rising consumer focus on food quality and manufacturers' shift toward multifunctional additives further reinforce the adoption of food-grade variants

Report Scope and Glycerol Monooleate Market Segmentation

Glycerol Monooleate Market Trends

Rising Adoption of Glycerol Monooleate in Plant-Based and Functional Foods

• The global glycerol monooleate market is witnessing notable growth due to its expanding use in plant-based and functional food products. Its emulsifying, stabilizing, and texture-enhancing properties are making it a preferred ingredient for manufacturers aiming to improve product quality, consistency, and shelf life in both traditional and innovative food applications
  • For instance, in July 2024, DSM Nutritional Products highlighted the use of glycerol monooleate in plant-based beverages and nutraceutical formulations, demonstrating its ability to improve emulsion stability and enhance bioavailability of active ingredients. Such applications are driving adoption in high-value food and beverage products and expanding market opportunities
• The growing consumer preference for vegan, clean-label, and functional food products is encouraging food manufacturers to adopt glycerol monooleate as a natural, multifunctional emulsifier. Its ability to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions and maintain product texture under varying conditions is further accelerating its use across different product lines
• Glycerol monooleate is increasingly incorporated into fortified and functional foods that target health-conscious consumers, providing added value through improved digestibility, nutrient stability, and sensory attributes. This trend is supporting the growth of GMO in the rapidly evolving functional food sector and positioning it as a key ingredient in plant-based innovation
• The rising investment in R&D to develop new formulations using glycerol monooleate is enabling manufacturers to create differentiated plant-based products with longer shelf life and superior performance. Companies are exploring novel applications in spreads, dairy alternatives, and fortified beverages, which further stimulates market expansion
• Overall, the combination of increasing consumer demand for plant-based, functional, and clean-label products, along with technological advancements in formulation, is driving widespread adoption of glycerol monooleate across the food and beverage industry, thereby strengthening market growth prospects

Glycerol Monooleate Market Dynamics

Driver

Growing Demand for Bio-Based Emulsifiers in Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care

• The global demand for bio-based emulsifiers such as glycerol monooleate is rising significantly in pharmaceutical and personal care applications. Manufacturers are leveraging its multifunctional properties to improve product stability, texture, and delivery performance across creams, lotions, and therapeutic formulations
  • For instance, in December 2024, Croda International plc expanded its portfolio of GMO-based ingredients for cosmetics and personal care, emphasizing its use in clean-label and sustainable formulations. Such initiatives by leading companies are expected to accelerate adoption and drive market growth in high-value segments
• The increasing preference for natural and plant-derived ingredients is motivating formulators to replace synthetic emulsifiers with glycerol monooleate. This transition is fueling demand in both developed and emerging markets where consumers seek safer and environmentally friendly products
• Rising applications of glycerol monooleate in advanced drug delivery systems, including nanostructured lipid carriers, are creating new pharmaceutical opportunities. Its ability to improve bioavailability and facilitate controlled release of active compounds is boosting its adoption in therapeutic and nutraceutical products
• Growing consumer awareness regarding ingredient safety, sustainability, and multifunctionality is enhancing acceptance of glycerol monooleate in both personal care and pharmaceutical formulations. Combined with regulatory approvals for food and pharmaceutical use, these factors continue to drive robust market growth

Restraint/Challenge

High Production Costs and Dependence on Raw Material Availability

• High production costs of glycerol monooleate, arising from purification, refinement, and quality control requirements, remain a key challenge for market expansion. These costs can constrain adoption, particularly among price-sensitive manufacturers in developing regions
  • For instance, fluctuations in the availability and cost of vegetable oils, a primary raw material for GMO production, have impacted supply chains for producers such as BASF SE. Such dependency on raw materials can affect pricing stability and production planning, thereby limiting market growth
• The reliance on high-quality raw materials for consistent product performance creates vulnerability to supply shortages or price volatility. Any disruption in the supply of key feedstocks can directly impact production volumes and profitability
• While technological advancements and process optimization are gradually improving production efficiency, the cost of high-purity glycerol monooleate remains a barrier for smaller manufacturers and low-margin applications. The need for cost-effective production techniques is critical for wider adoption
• Addressing these challenges through enhanced supply chain management, strategic sourcing of raw materials, and investments in cost-efficient manufacturing processes is essential to ensure sustained growth and stability of the glycerol monooleate market

Glycerol Monooleate Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of grade, process, and application.

• By Grade

On the basis of grade, the glycerol monooleate market is segmented into food grade and industrial grade. The food grade segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 70.5% in 2025, supported by increasing utilization of glycerol monooleate as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and texturizing ingredient in processed foods. Growing consumption of bakery, confectionery, and ready-to-eat food products has strengthened demand, especially among manufacturers that prioritize consistency, shelf-life enhancement, and clean-label inputs. Food-grade glycerol monooleate is also favored due to regulatory approvals across various regions, which ensures formulation safety in beverages, dairy, and nutritional products. Rising consumer focus on food quality and manufacturers' shift toward multifunctional additives further reinforce the adoption of food-grade variants.

The industrial grade segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033, driven by its increasing use across lubricants, adhesives, plastics, and chemical processing applications. For instance, companies such as oleochemical manufacturers are incorporating industrial-grade glycerol monooleate due to its anti-wear, friction-reducing, and moisture-control properties in heavy machinery and polymer production. Demand is gaining momentum as industries increasingly adopt biodegradable and plant-derived surfactants to replace petroleum-based alternatives. Its compatibility with hydraulic fluids and metalworking oils also supports adoption in automotive and manufacturing environments. The rising need for high-performance yet sustainable processing additives positions industrial-grade glycerol monooleate for accelerated long-term growth.

• By Process

On the basis of process, the glycerol monooleate market is segmented into derived from animal fats and derived from vegetable oils. The vegetable oils-derived segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2025 due to the rising preference for plant-based raw materials driven by sustainability goals and regulatory compliance for vegan and halal-certified formulations. Increasing use of vegetable-derived glycerol monooleate in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications is supported by higher purity levels, safety perception, and lower allergen risk. Manufacturers are favoring this process route due to stable raw material availability from sources such as palm, soybean, and sunflower oils. Growing demand for cruelty-free and environmentally responsible products continues fueling this segment’s dominance.

The animal fats-derived segment is anticipated to record the fastest CAGR during the forecast period from 2026 to 2033, driven by its cost-effectiveness and widespread use in industrial applications where biological sourcing preference is less critical. For instance, industrial and lubricant manufacturers continue using animal-based feedstock owing to its consistent fatty acid profile, performance stability, and lower production cost. Expanding industrial-scale chemical transformation and rising demand from sectors such as metalworking and adhesives further support growth. As emerging markets prioritize affordability over sourcing type, the animal-fat-derived segment is positioned for rapid volume-based expansion despite slower adoption in premium product categories.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the glycerol monooleate market is segmented into food & beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial uses. The food & beverage segment held the largest revenue share in 2025, supported by the widespread use of glycerol monooleate as an emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, and anti-staling agent. Demand continues to rise due to increased production of packaged foods, improving cold-chain logistics, and consumer preference for consistent texture and shelf stability in processed food. Its multifunctional behavior enables manufacturers to replace multiple additives, supporting cost optimization and labeling simplicity. Regulatory recognition as a safe food additive across global markets further strengthens its strong presence in the food and beverage sector.

The cosmetics segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033, driven by expanding demand for moisturizing and skin-conditioning agents in personal care products. For instance, global cosmetic formulators are integrating glycerol monooleate in skincare, haircare, and makeup formulations due to its emulsification capability, skin barrier support, and smooth sensory finish. Rising consumer inclination toward natural and plant-derived formulation bases is boosting usage, especially in premium and clean beauty product ranges. Its compatibility with a wide range of active ingredients enables flexible formulation strategies, accelerating adoption across both mass-market and specialized dermocosmetic products.

Glycerol Monooleate Market Regional Analysis

• Asia-Pacific dominated the glycerol monooleate market with the largest revenue share of 32.6% in 2025, driven by the strong presence of oleochemical producers, expanding food processing activities, and increasing demand from cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications
• The region’s competitive production costs, rising export capacity for emulsifiers and stabilizers, and growing adoption of plant-derived surfactants in industrial uses are accelerating market penetration
• Rapid industrialization, government support for bio-based chemical production, and increasing commercial use of ester-based additives in food, personal care, and industrial formulations continue to strengthen demand

China Glycerol Monooleate Market Insight

China held the largest share in the Asia-Pacific glycerol monooleate market in 2025 owing to its large-scale oleochemical processing capacity, expansive food and beverage production network, and strong presence of cosmetic manufacturing hubs. Favorable government initiatives supporting bio-based raw materials, along with large export volumes of emulsifiers and oleochemical derivatives, are driving market expansion. Rising applications in plastics, pharmaceuticals, and lubricant formulations further contribute to consumption growth.

India Glycerol Monooleate Market Insight

India is positioned as the fastest-growing market in Asia-Pacific due to rising investments in specialty chemical manufacturing, expanding processed food industry, and rapid penetration of natural-based cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients. Government incentives under programs such as “Make in India” and improved oleochemical refining capacity are enhancing domestic production. Increasing consumption in emulsifiers, feed additives, and industrial lubricants is further boosting growth momentum.

Europe Glycerol Monooleate Market Insight

Europe is experiencing steady market growth supported by rising preference for bio-based emulsifiers, strict regulatory frameworks favoring natural ingredients, and expanding applications in personal care and pharmaceutical formulations. High emphasis on product purity, sustainable sourcing, and advanced formulation research is shaping the demand landscape. Growing use in food stabilizers, biodegradable lubricants, and polymer processing is further supporting regional expansion.

Germany Glycerol Monooleate Market Insight

Germany’s market is driven by strong chemical manufacturing infrastructure, a leading cosmetics and personal care sector, and high consumption of high-purity emulsifiers for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations. Continued investments in advanced material applications, R&D partnerships, and innovation in bio-based chemical synthesis are contributing to market demand. Industrial applications such as lubricant additives and polymer processing agents also support growth.

U.K. Glycerol Monooleate Market Insight

The U.K. market is supported by strong capabilities in research-driven formulation development, expanding food technology advancements, and increasing demand from the cosmetic and life sciences sectors. Rising adoption of natural emulsifiers and stabilization ingredients in clean-label and vegan product lines is shaping market needs. Post-Brexit manufacturing reforms and investment in localized specialty chemical production are further contributing to market expansion.

North America Glycerol Monooleate Market Insight

North America is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2026 to 2033 due to increasing demand for bio-based ingredients in food, cosmetics, industrial lubricants, and pharmaceutical formulations. Strong R&D investment, well-established processed food and personal care industries, and rising adoption of specialty oleochemicals are key growth drivers. Growing reshoring of chemical production and advancements in formulation technologies further enhance market prospects.

U.S. Glycerol Monooleate Market Insight

The U.S. accounted for the largest share in North America in 2025, supported by expanding applications in pharmaceuticals, high-performance lubricants, food stabilizers, and polymer processing additives. Strong regulatory compliance, innovation-driven production, and the presence of leading oleochemical and specialty chemical companies contribute to its dominance. The mature consumer goods industry and rapid growth in clean-label and bio-derived formulations continue to support long-term adoption.

Glycerol Monooleate Market Share

The glycerol monooleate industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Schulman Inc. (U.S.)
• DuPont. (U.S.)
• 3M (U.S.)
• Clariant. (Switzerland)
• Solvay (Belgium)
• BASF SE (Germany)
• Croda International PLC (U.K.)
• Evonik Industries AG (Germany)
• Arkema (France)
• Akzo Nobel N.V. (Netherlands)
• Volkem Chemical LLP (India)

Latest Developments in Global Glycerol Monooleate Market

• In March 2025, researchers reported the development of glycerol monooleate-based nanostructured lipid carriers for the targeted delivery of antimicrobial peptides, significantly enhancing the bioavailability, stability, and controlled release of therapeutic compounds. This innovation is expected to broaden GMO’s applications in advanced pharmaceutical formulations, particularly in infection control, wound healing, and targeted drug delivery systems, thereby increasing demand from the healthcare, biotech, and specialty pharmaceutical sectors
• In December 2024, a study demonstrated glycerol monooleate’s superior performance as a stabilizing and texture-enhancing agent in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It improved skin hydration, emulsion stability, and product shelf life, making it highly suitable for premium skincare, haircare, and beauty products. This development is anticipated to drive GMO adoption in Europe and North America, where consumer preference for natural, clean-label, and multifunctional ingredients is growing, thus supporting high-margin market expansion
• In July 2024, glycerol monooleate was successfully applied as an emulsifier in plant-based dairy, non-dairy alternatives, and functional beverages, improving homogenization, shelf life, and sensory attributes such as creaminess and mouthfeel. This advancement is expected to boost GMO demand in the Asia-Pacific food and beverage sector, where the shift toward vegan, plant-based, and functional foods is rapidly increasing. It positions GMO as a critical ingredient for formulators seeking natural, oil-soluble emulsifiers with multi-purpose functionality
• In July 2023, Pseudomonas infection-responsive liquid crystals composed of glycerol monooleate were investigated as delivery systems for alginate lyase and gentamicin to treat bacterial biofilms. This research highlights GMO’s potential as a responsive excipient in smart drug delivery systems, particularly for combating resistant infections. The study underscores growing pharmaceutical applications for GMO, including targeted therapeutics, combination therapies, and infection-responsive treatments, which could drive demand from hospitals, biotech companies, and specialty pharmaceutical manufacturers
• In May 2023, glycerol monooleate gained increased attention as a lubricant additive and industrial emulsifier in polymer processing, metalworking fluids, and specialty chemical formulations, improving performance, thermal stability, and compatibility with other industrial oils. This development is expected to diversify GMO applications beyond food and personal care industries, supporting adoption in the manufacturing, automotive, and specialty chemicals sectors, and contributing to steady market growth in industrial segments

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