Glycerin
Pronunciation /GLIH-suh-rin/
What it is — A small, sweet-tasting molecule made by combining a fatty alcohol with water.
What it does — Pulls moisture from the air into your skin. Cheap, gentle, works for almost everyone.
What is it?
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
What does it do?
Glycerin is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Denaturant
makes ethanol in cosmetics unfit for drinking — required by regulation when alcohol is used
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Hair conditioning
improves the appearance, feel, and manageability of hair
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Humectant
draws moisture from the air or deeper skin layers to the surface, helping skin retain water
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Oral care
used in oral-hygiene products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental gels
-
Perfuming
adds scent to a cosmetic product
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Skin conditioning
improves the appearance, feel, and condition of skin
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Skin protecting
helps shield skin from external environmental factors
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Solvent
dissolves other ingredients into a uniform liquid phase
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Viscosity controlling
adjusts the thickness or flow of a formulation
Often found in
- moisturizers
- cleansers
- toothpaste
- soaps
- lip balms
- almost everything
Good to know
Often listed near the top of ingredient lists in moisturizers — that's a good sign. Sometimes derived from plants, sometimes synthetic; both work the same.
EU regulatory status
Glycerin is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Glycerin?
Glycerin is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
Is Glycerin allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Glycerin is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Glycerin do in cosmetic products?
Glycerin is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: denaturant, hair conditioning, humectant, oral care, perfuming, skin conditioning, skin protecting, solvent, viscosity controlling.
What is the CAS number of Glycerin?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Glycerin is 56-81-5.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 21/11/2019