Glycerin (Vegetable Glycerin) - humectant, solvent, emollient, viscosity modifier

INCI Name

Glycerin

Functions

4 Roles

Sustainability

9/10

What It Does

Glycerin is a trihydric alcohol naturally occurring in all fats and oils, commercially produced as a byproduct of soap manufacturing or through the hydrolysis of vegetable oils. Its unique three-hydroxyl structure makes it exceptionally hygroscopic, capable of drawing moisture from the environment and binding up to 1000 times its weight in water. Formulators prize glycerin for its versatility, safety profile, and ability to enhance skin feel while providing immediate and long-lasting hydration without greasiness.

Attracts moisture from the air

Provides deep, lasting hydration

Improves skin elasticity and plumpness

Enhances penetration of other actives

Technical Properties

pH Range

5.5-8.0

Optimal working range

Ionic Charge

nonionic

Molecular charge type

Viscosity Effect

thickening

Impact on formula thickness

Foaming Ability

low

Lather generation

Ingredient Compatibility

Works Well With

most surfactantsemollientshumectantspreservativesantioxidantsbotanical extracts

Avoid Combining

strong oxidizersconcentrated acids at high temperatures

Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

9/10

Biodegradability

readily biodegradable

Source

plant-derived

Feedstock

vegetable oils (palm, soy, coconut)

Related Ingredients

Similar humectants to explore

Benzyl Alcohol (and) Salicylic Acid (and) Glycerin (and) Sorbic Acid

Ecoguard (Natural Preservative)

Methyl Gluceth-20

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Hydrolyzed HA

Saccharomyces Ferment

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Aloe Vera Extract

Available Variants

35 forms available

100% Liquid

99.5% Pure Liquid

99.5% USP Grade

99.5% USP Grade Liquid

99.5% USP Grade, Vegetable-Derived

99.5% Vegetable Glycerin

99.5% Vegetable-Derived Liquid

99.7% Liquid

99.7% Pure Liquid

99.7% Pure Liquid (USP Grade)

99.7% Pure Liquid USP

99.7% Pure Liquid USP Grade

99.7% USP Grade

99.7% USP Grade Liquid

99.7% USP Grade, Plant-Derived (Palm-Free, Rapeseed Source)

99.7% Vegetable Glycerin

99.7% Vegetable Liquid

99% Vegetable Glycerin

Plant-derived, 99.7% Pure Liquid

Spray-Dried Powder on Silica or Maltodextrin Carrier (50-70% glycerin content)

Standard

USP Grade 99.5% Liquid

USP Grade 99.7%

USP Grade 99.7% Liquid

USP Grade 99.7% Pure Liquid

USP Grade Liquid

USP Grade Vegetable Glycerin

USP Grade Vegetable-Derived

Vegetable Glycerin 99.7%

Vegetable-Derived 99.7% USP Grade

Vegetable-Derived 99.7% USP Grade Liquid

Vegetable-Derived Liquid (99.7% USP Grade)

Vegetable-Derived Liquid, 99.7% USP Grade

Vegetable-Derived Liquid, USP Grade 99.7%

Vegetable-Derived, 99.7% USP Grade Liquid

Quick Reference

Full INCI Name: Glycerin
Common Name: Vegetable Glycerin
CAS Number: 56-81-5
Category: humectants

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