Colonial Monolaurin

CTFA/INCI: Glyceryl Laurate

CLEARANCES: NICNAS, EINECS # 205-526-6
C.A.S. Number: 142-18-7

DESCRIPTION
Colonial Chemical is pleased to offer a distilled glyceryl monolaurate commercially
identified as Colonial Monolaurin This unique, multifunctional compound can bring
added elegance and utility to personal care and pharmaceutical products. When
compared with standard “mono glycerides”, Colonial Monolaurin has many more
positive characteristics which are not typically found in just a single product. Some of
these features are:
• Stability to oxidation • Virtually no skin irritation
• Low odor & pure white color • Transdermal penetrating properties
• Potent emulsification • No pH effects on the skin
• Superior emolliency • Antimicrobial activity

In formulating, effective use levels can range between 0.1% and 5.0%, depending upon
the application. Colonial Monolaurin should be added to a formulation so that it does
not receive severe heating for prolonged periods.

Colonial Monolaurin can be dispersed in water and dissolved in oil. Colonial

Monolaurin solubility in glycerin and PG is limited to less than 5%. It would be highly
soluble in ETOH, probably 10%-20%. Depending upon which phase Colonial
Monolaurin is added, it will have an effect on the final viscosity and texture properties.

Traditional alkyl glycerides have a monoglyceride level in the 35-45% range. Recently
developed technology has lead to the production of Monolaurin with a monglyceride
content above 90%. It has always been known that higher the monoglyceride content,
the better the emulsification properties. In addition, the fatty acid composition of this
unique product has been peaked to give greater than 98% lauric acid, resulting in a very
pure glyceryl monolaurate that is available nowhere else.

Research over the last several years suggests that the features mentioned above lend
themselves to some of the following suggested applications.

In a healing type ointment, Colonial Monolaurin can contribute to the promotion of

wound healing through the reduction of advantageous bacteria. Any ointment of this
type aimed at burns, bites and cuts, will be enhanced.

225 Colonial Drive South Pittsburg, TN 37380 Ph: 423-837-8800 Fax: 423-837-3888
Numerous papers suggest that Colonial Monolaurin can be very useful in toothpastes
and mouth rinses to mitigate the formation of “caries,” thus reducing tooth decay. It
also inhibits plaque build-up.

Due to its transdermal properties, it is indicated that Colonial Monolaurin will improve
the performance of the patch type delivery systems coming into vogue today. Further,
Monolaurin should improve the penetration of lidocaine, capcaisin and similar actives
used to relieve discomfort caused by teething, gum pain, cold sores and muscular
aches.

Numerous papers site the improved transdermal penetration of drugs using Colonial
Monolaurin. The addition of 10% Colonial Monolaurin can give a five-fold
improvement in the drug’s transdermal penetration.

Another abstract of record suggests that Colonial Monolaurin demonstrates the

effective promotion of topically applied drugs in the treatment of psoriasis by providing
better topical adsorption with reduced loss of the relevant active. Colonial Monolaurin
could make treatments less irritating, easier to apply, and more cost effective by
extending product usage.

The transesterification products of triglycerides and glycerin have a long history of use,
particularly in the food industry as emulsifiers. Their safety and efficacy has been
proven for years and they have achieved GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status
as designated by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.

Some of the available data relevant to the antimicrobial activity of Monolaurin is given in
the following two tables. In Table 1, Colonial Monolaurin is ranked against two
common preservatives using gram-positive bacteria and yeast organisms.

Table 1
Comparison of Antibacterial Activity for Colonial Monolaurin and Common Preservatives

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (µgm/ml)

B. Subtillis B. Cereus S. Aureus S. Cerevisiae A. Niger C. Utilis

--------------------------Gram+------------------------- ---------Yeast------
COLONIAL 20 20 20 20 20 20
MONOLAURIN

Butyl- 400 200 200 200 400 200

hydroxybenxoate

Sorbic Acid 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000

Notes: Data generated by the agar dilution method

225 Colonial Drive South Pittsburg, TN 37380 Ph: 423-837-8800 Fax: 423-837-3888
Gram positive organisms are generally associated with the semi-dry conditions found on
surfaces such as skin. The control of these types of organisms is important when
considering how many finished products are used. Consumers using open jars of
cremes or lotions will often dip their fingers or an applicator into the product causing
repeated exposure of the emulsion to gram positive microbes. Without sufficient
preservation, microbial growth is augmented particularly along the sides of the container
and the underside of the cap.
Although Colonial Monolaurin is less effective against gram-negative organisms as
compared with other traditional preservatives, its action can be potentiated by the
addition of chelants such as EDTA, lactic, citric acid, and polyphosphates. In Table 2, a
simple oil-in-water emulsion is challenged by the addition of two gram-negative
organisms where Colonial Monolaurin is the emulsifier and preservative. By itself, the
emulsion is not preserved, but a small addition of EDTA effectively controls microbial
growth. Note that additional methyl paraben is not effective; the synergistic action is due
solely to the presence of EDTA.

Table 2

Preservative Effect of Food-Grade Chemicals Against Gram-negative Organisms

in a Colonial Monolaurin Lotion

At 24 h At 48 h At 1 wk
Preservative P. Aeruginosa E. Coli P. Aeruginosa E.Coli P. Aeruginosa E.Coli

EDTA
0.1% + + + + - -
0.2% - +/- - +/- - -
0.3% - +/- - +/- - -

Methylparaben
0.1% + + + + + -
0.2% + + + + + -
0.3% + + + + + -

EDTA +
Methylparaben

0.1% + 0.1% + + +/- + - -

0.2% + 0.2% - + - + - -
0.3% + 0.3% - +/- - +/- - -
a+, growth; +/-, slight growth; -, no growth.
Source: From Ref 57

Colonial Monolaurin is a very exciting product for formulators that can:

225 Colonial Drive South Pittsburg, TN 37380 Ph: 423-837-8800 Fax: 423-837-3888
 • Provide strong self-preservation activityPromote the penetration of actives
through the skin
• Exhibit proven safety profiles
• Enhance the aesthetics of formulations
• Create superior stability in emulsions of all types.

TYPICAL PROPERTIES
*Monoester content: Minimum 90%
Fatty acid composition: Capric: max. 2%, Lauric: min. 90%,
Myristic: max. 8%

Iodine value: Maximum 1

Saponification value: 200-210
Free glycerol: Maximum 4%;
Free fatty acid: Maximum 1.5%
Melting point: Approximately 59°C - 60°C
Appearance: White flake or white powder

Description: Colonial Monolaurin is a distilled monoglyceride made from fractionated

fatty acids or trilaurin.

Storage conditions: Colonial Monolaurin may be stored for 36 months when kept cool
and dry

*Should be used for quality control.

TYPICAL FORMULATION
MONO LAURIN CLEAR GEL BASE – This formulation makes a great hand sanitizer
and cleanser. The Colonial Monolaurin helps prevent the hands from becoming chapped
and cracked. Product is a clear, peaking gel suitable as a carrier base for topically
applied actives.

COMPONENT WT. % CHEMICAL DESCRIPTION

A. Carbopol 980 0.40 Polyacrylic acid

Isopropanol 91% 50.60 Isopropanol
Water 43.00

B. Propylene glycol 2.00 Propylene glycol

Glycerin 2.00 Glycerin
Colonial Monolaurin 2.00 Glyceryl monolaurate
TOTAL 100.00

Adjust to pH 6.0 with aminomethylpropanol (Angus, AMP-95).

COLONIAL MONOLAURIN LIQUID HAND SOAP –

Colonial Monolaurin gives great feel and conditioning to the skin.

225 Colonial Drive South Pittsburg, TN 37380 Ph: 423-837-8800 Fax: 423-837-3888
COMPONENT WT. % CHEMICAL DESCRIPTION

Water 73.80
Colonial ALES-60 10.00 Ammonium lauryl ether sulfate
Hamposyl L-30 10.00 Sodium lauryl sarcosinate
Cola®Mid AL 3.00 Lauramide DEA
Colonial Monolaurin 2.00 Glyceryl monolaurate
Versene 100 0.50 Tetrasodium EDTA
Glycerin 0.20 Glycerin
Phenoxyethanol 0.50 Fragrance fixative
TOTAL 100.00

Adjust to pH 6.5 with 88% lactic acid, add ~ 1.0% to increase viscosity to 2500 cps.
Product is a very light yellow clear liquid that is high foaming and exceptionally mild.

CLEAR EAR WITH MONOLAURIN – Designed for pets as an ear wash, Colonial
Monolaurin helps soothe the ear and provides mildness to the formulation.

COMPONENT WT. % CHEMICAL DESCRIPTION

Propylene glycol 60.00 Propylene glycol
Glycerin 37.50 Glycerin
Colonial Monolaurin 0.50 Glyceryl monolaurate
Benzyl alcohol 1.00 Benzyl alcohol
Phenoxyethanol 1.00 Phenoxyethanol
TOTAL 100.00

Product is a lightly viscous fluid with a very slight haze. Use as a miticide for animal
ears.

COLONIAL MONOLAURIN LIGHT MOISTURIZING HAND CREAM WITH PCMX

Phase 1 WT.%
Deionized water 82.44
Glycerin 5.00
EDTA (Na2) 0.10
Berberine 0.01

Phase 2
Dimethicone 4.00
Varisoft TA-100 2.50
Cetyl Alcohol 2.00
Colonial Monolaurin 3.00
Cola®Mulse PCMX 0.50

Phase 3
Lemon Oil 0.25
Vitamin E 0.20
TOTAL 100.00

225 Colonial Drive South Pittsburg, TN 37380 Ph: 423-837-8800 Fax: 423-837-3888
Procedure
Blend ingredients in Phase 1 as given with stirring and heat to 60oC – 70oC. Blend
ingredients in Phase 2 with stirring and heat sufficiently to melt all waxes. Add Phase 2
to Phase 1 with sufficient agitation to create a homogenous blend. Stir-cool to 40oC and
then add Phase 3 ingredients.

LAST UPDATED 06/20/2008

WARRANTY
Colonial Chemical guarantees that its products meet published specifications. No other warranties or
guarantees are expressed or implied because the use of this material is beyond the control of Colonial
Chemical.
Colonial Chemical, Inc.
www.colonialchem.com
225 Colonial Drive Ph: 423-837-8800
South Pittsburg, TN 37380 Fax: 423-837-3888

225 Colonial Drive South Pittsburg, TN 37380 Ph: 423-837-8800 Fax: 423-837-3888