Glycerin
Synthetic
Humectant
Fragrance
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Barrier Support
Hair Care
Clean
Glycerin is a trihydroxyalcohol with localized osmotic diuretic and laxative effects. Glycerin elevates the blood plasma osmolality thereby extracting water from tissues into interstitial fluid and plasma. This agent also prevents water reabsorption in the proximal tubule in the kidney leading to an increase in water and sodium excretion and a reduction in blood volume. Administered rectally, glycerin exerts a hyperosmotic laxative effect by attracting water into the rectum, thereby relieving constipation. In addition, glycerin is used as a solvent, humectant and vehicle in various pharmaceutical preparations.
Effective at 49.7%
Formula
C3H8O3
Mol. Weight
92.09
CAS #
56-81-5
State
Liquid
Functions
Denaturant
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Oral Care
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Protecting
Helps rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier — the invisible shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Essential after over-exfoliating or harsh weather.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Viscosity Controlling
Nourishes & Protects
Locks In Moisture
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
—
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-2
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.0001%
99.4%
45.0%
0%100%
Reported use
Reg. Limit
FDA OTC limit (Skin Protectant): 45%. 21 CFR 347.10 | CIR reported use: 0.0001-99.4
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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