Monolaurin
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| IUPAC name
2,3-Dihydroxypropyl dodecanoate
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| Other names
Glyceryl laurate; Monolauroylglycerin; Glycerol monolaurate
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| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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| ChEMBL | |
| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.005.024 |
PubChem CID
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| C15H30O4 | |
| Molar mass | 274.401 g·mol−1 |
| Melting point | 63 °C |
| Boiling point | 186 °C / 1mmHg |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references
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Monolaurin (also called glycerol monolaurate, glyceryl laurate, and 1-lauroyl-glycerol) is a monoglyceride. It is the mono-ester formed from glycerol and lauric acid. Its chemical formula is C15H30O4.
Occurrence
Monolaurin is found in coconuts and may be similar to lipids found in human breast milk.[1]
Lauric acid can be ingested in coconut oil and the human body converts it into monolaurin. Furthermore, coconut oil, coconut cream, grated coconut and others products are sources of lauric acid and, consequently, monolaurin.[2]
Uses
Monolaurin is most commonly used as a nonionic surfactant and preservative in cosmetics and packaged foods. Monolaurin is also marketed as a dietary supplement.
Food, Cosmetic, and Industrial Uses
Monolaurin is widely used in the food and cosmetic industries as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and antimicrobial preservative. It is valued for its ability to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, yeasts, and molds,[3] helping extend shelf life in packaged foods and personal care products.
In cosmetics, monolaurin is commonly included in creams, lotions, and cleansers due to its compatibility with skin lipids and low irritation potential.[4]
Dietary Supplement Use
Monolaurin is also marketed as a dietary supplement, typically in capsule or pellet form[5]. Supplemental monolaurin is generally derived from lauric acid sourced from coconut oil or palm kernel oil.
Dietary supplements containing monolaurin are regulated in the United States under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). As with other dietary supplements, manufacturers may describe monolaurin in terms of structure- or function-related support, but are prohibited from making claims that it prevents, treats, or cures disease.
The United States Food and Drug Administration categorizes this substance as generally recognized as safe.[6]
Mechanism of action
Monolaurin is a monoglyceride of lauric acid with amphipathic properties, meaning it contains both hydrophilic and lipophilic components. This structure allows it to interact with lipid membranes.[7]
Laboratory studies have shown that monolaurin can disrupt lipid-coated membranes[8] in certain microorganisms, which has led to scientific interest in its antimicrobial properties[9]. These effects have been primarily observed in in vitro and experimental settings, and their relevance to human health outcomes remains an area of ongoing research.
Immune system–related research
Monolaurin has been studied for its potential role in supporting normal immune system function, largely due to its antimicrobial activity observed in laboratory research. Some researchers have noted similarities between monolaurin and naturally occurring monoglycerides found in human breast milk[10], which is thought to contribute to innate immune defense in infants.
Current research on monolaurin’s immune relevance is largely preclinical, and human clinical evidence remains limited. As a result, regulatory agencies do not permit disease-specific claims for monolaurin when marketed as a dietary supplement.
Safety and Regulatory Status
Monolaurin (glycerol monolaurate) is classified by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in foods and cosmetics under specific conditions. It is commonly used as a food emulsifier and preservative due to its stability and low toxicity profile.[11]
Toxicological evaluations have found monolaurin to be well tolerated when consumed at levels commonly present in food products and dietary supplements. No significant adverse effects have been reported in the scientific literature at typical oral intake levels. As with many dietary ingredients, long-term safety data at very high supplemental doses remain limited.
References
- ^ Hegde, BM (2006). "View Point: Coconut Oil – Ideal Fat next only to Mother's Milk (Scanning Coconut's Horoscope)" (PDF). Journal of the Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine. 7: 16–19.
- ^ Lieberman, S.; Enig, M. G.; Preuss, H. G. (2006). "A Review of Monolaurin and Lauric Acid: Natural Virucidal and Bactericidal Agents". Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 12 (6): 310–314. doi:10.1089/act.2006.12.310.
- ^ Bergsson, G.; Arnfinnsson, J.; Steingrímsson O, null; Thormar, H. (November 2001). "In vitro killing of Candida albicans by fatty acids and monoglycerides". Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 45 (11): 3209–3212. doi:10.1128/AAC.45.11.3209-3212.2001. ISSN 0066-4804. PMC 90807. PMID 11600381.
- ^ Ricke, S. C. (2003-04-01). "Perspectives on the use of organic acids and short chain fatty acids as antimicrobials". Poultry Science. 82 (4): 632–639. doi:10.1093/ps/82.4.632. ISSN 0032-5791. PMID 12710485.
- ^ "Monolaurin Pellets vs. Capsules: Which One is Better?". Natural Cure Labs. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ^ "Code of Federal Regulations title 21". www.accessdata.fda.gov.
- ^ Seleem, Dalia; Freitas-Blanco, Veronica Santana; Noguti, Juliana; Zancope, Bruna Raquel; Pardi, Vanessa; Murata, Ramiro Mendonça (2018). "In Vivo Antifungal Activity of Monolaurin against Candida albicans Biofilms". Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 41 (8): 1299–1302. doi:10.1248/bpb.b18-00256. ISSN 1347-5215. PMID 30068882.
- ^ Lieberman, Shari; Enig, Mary G.; Preuss, Harry G. (December 2006). "A Review of Monolaurin and Lauric Acid: Natural Virucidal and Bactericidal Agents". Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 12 (6): 310–314. doi:10.1089/act.2006.12.310. ISSN 1076-2809.
- ^ Schlievert, P. M.; Deringer, J. R.; Kim, M. H.; Projan, S. J.; Novick, R. P. (March 1992). "Effect of glycerol monolaurate on bacterial growth and toxin production". Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 36 (3): 626–631. doi:10.1128/AAC.36.3.626. ISSN 0066-4804. PMC 190568. PMID 1622174.
- ^ Isaacs, C. E.; Thormar, H. (1991). "The role of milk-derived antimicrobial lipids as antiviral and antibacterial agents". Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 310: 159–165. doi:10.1007/978-1-4615-3838-7_19. ISSN 0065-2598. PMID 1808991.
- ^ "GovInfo". www.govinfo.gov. Retrieved 2026-01-29.