murphyTriacetin
AKA: 102-76-1, Glyceryl triacetate, Glycerol triacetate, Enzactin, Triacetine, Glycerin triacetate, Triacetylglycerol, Fungacetin, Glyped
Synthetic
Preservative
Occlusive
Solvent
Clean
OriginSynthesized from glycerol and acetic acid, both common organic compounds derived from petroleum or plant sources. Produced through esterification, where acetic acid reacts with glycerol under catalytic conditions to form the triester.
Triacetin is a triglyceride obtained by acetylation of the three hydroxy groups of glycerol. It has fungistatic properties (based on release of acetic acid) and has been used in the topical treatment of minor dermatophyte infections. It has a role as a solvent, an adjuvant, a fuel additive, a food emulsifier, a plant metabolite, a food humectant, a food additive carrier and an antifungal drug. It is functionally related to an acetic acid.
Solubility In water, 52,130 mg/L at 24.5 °C
Formula
C9H14O6
Mol. Weight
218.20
CAS #
102-76-1
Form
Powder
State
Liquid; Dry Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Plasticiser
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Draws water to skin
Fights acne
Causing bacteria
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
4 studies / 4 not sensitizing (CIR 309)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
4 studies / 3 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 309)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
5 studies / 3 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions slight to mild (CIR 309)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0000013–0.95%
Rinse-off0.00012–0.08%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2018 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR