A widely used humectant that helps water remain available in moisturizing formulas.
Sources: 1, 2Glycerol
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Not assessed
Glycerin
What it does
Supports hydration and skin comfort as part of a well-designed moisturizer.
Sources: 1, 2Good for
- Dehydrated-feeling skin
- Dry skin
How to use it
Use the finished serum, cleanser or moisturizer as directed. This ingredient does not require a separate routine step.
Sources: 1, 2Who should be careful
A glycerin-containing formula may still sting severely compromised skin or cause a reaction to another ingredient.
Sources: 1, 2Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
Its three hydroxyl groups associate with water.
Sources: 1, 2Potential adverse effects
Stinging or contact reactions are possible in an individual product; many other formula components can also be responsible.
Sources: 1, 2Formulation considerations
Texture and tackiness depend on concentration and the surrounding formula. Use finished products rather than assuming pure glycerin is better.
Sources: 1, 2Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Safety tags
- Fragrance allergen
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Essential oil
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Drying alcohol
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
What remains uncertain
- Exact concentration, final pH and the full composition of any unprovided finished product
Clinical evidence and research
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitNot assessed
The cited references support identity, formulation role or safety context. No standalone clinical efficacy rating has been completed for the main benefit in this draft.
Sources: 1, 2Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
No jurisdiction-specific assessment is recorded. An inventory listing is not blanket approval.
Names on ingredient lists
glycerin
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PubChem CID | 753 | PubChem compound 753: chemical identity |
| molecular formula | C3H8O3 | PubChem compound 753: chemical identity |
| molecular weight | 92.09 g/mol | PubChem compound 753: chemical identity |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
Sources (3)
Scientific sources
- CIR: Glycerin safety assessment materialssafety assessment
- US eCFR: Skin protectant active ingredients, 21 CFR 347.10regulatory context
- PubChem compound 753: chemical identitychemical identity
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