murphyGlycerin
Synthetic
Humectant
Fragrance
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Barrier Support
Hair Care
Clean
OriginDerived from plant oils and fats, primarily through vegetable oil processing or animal fat sources. Produced through hydrolysis or transesterification of triglycerides to yield the three-carbon polyol compound.
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.
Formula
C3H8O3
Mol. Weight
92.09
CAS #
56-81-5
State
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
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
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.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
—
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing / plus 2 case reports (CIR 679)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 2 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions slight to mild / plus 2 case reports (CIR 679)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions mild / plus 2 case reports (CIR 679)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0001–79.2%
Rinse-off0.0007–99.4%
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 45%
CIR reported use · report published 2019
FDA OTC limit (Skin Protectant): 45%. 21 CFR 347.10
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR