Glycereth-3
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 21156-05-8, BLAUNON GL-3, PEG-3 GLYCERYL ETHER, ETHANOL, GLYCERETH-3 [INCI]
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Glycereth-3 is the polyethylene glycol ether of Glycerin with an average ethoxylation value of 3.
Formula
C9H20O6
Mol. Weight
224.25
CAS #
-
Form
Liquid
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Traditional Use
A low-molecular-weight synthetic glycerin ethoxylate developed in the mid-20th century. Used as a humectant and emulsifier in cosmetics without traditional medicinal applications.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR