Glycerin Vegetable

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable Glycerin is a clear, hygroscopic, plant-derived polyol widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations for its strong humectant and formulation-support properties. It is typically produced through the hydrolysis or transesterification of vegetable oils, most commonly soy, palm, or coconut, followed by purification to cosmetic-grade specifications. The process yields a high-purity glycerol without ethoxylation or petrochemical modification, supporting its use in clean and modern formulation systems.

From a formulation standpoint, Vegetable Glycerin functions primarily as a humectant that attracts and retains water within both the formulation and the stratum corneum. It improves skin hydration, enhances barrier comfort, and supports overall product performance. Glycerin also contributes to solvent properties, aiding in the dispersion of water-soluble actives, botanical extracts, and preservatives. Its behavior is concentration-dependent and influenced by total water content, occlusive balance, and ambient humidity.

In finished products, Vegetable Glycerin delivers a hydrated, smooth skin feel. At low to moderate levels, it enhances moisture retention without tackiness, while higher concentrations increase humectancy but may introduce stickiness if not balanced with emollients or film formers. It is used across a wide range of product types including lotions, creams, serums, cleansers, toners, soaps, hair care products, and oral care formulations.

From a clean standards and safety perspective, Vegetable Glycerin has a long history of safe cosmetic use and broad global regulatory acceptance. It is biodegradable, non-volatile, and generally well tolerated in both leave-on and rinse-off applications. Clean positioning is supported by its bio-based origin, minimal processing, and compatibility with clean, natural-leaning, and transparency-focused formulation standards.

Ingredient Identification

INCI Name: Glycerin
CAS Number: 56-81-5

Physical & Technical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless, viscous liquid
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Freely soluble in water
Viscosity: High
Functional Role: Humectant, solvent, formulation aid

Typical Usage Levels (Skincare & Personal Care Applications)

Leave-On Products: 1–10%
Rinse-Off Products: 2–15%
Cleansers and Soaps: 3–20%
Hair and Scalp Products: 1–5%

Actual usage levels vary depending on desired hydration, sensory balance, and overall formulation design.

DIY Education and Formulation Guidance

For DIY formulators, Vegetable Glycerin is easy to use and added directly to the water phase or during cool-down with mixing. Because glycerin strongly attracts water, excessive levels can result in a tacky feel or draw moisture from deeper skin layers in low-humidity environments. Balancing glycerin with emollients, occlusives, or film-forming ingredients helps optimize skin feel.

Vegetable Glycerin should not be confused with glycols such as propylene glycol, as it offers stronger humectancy but different sensory characteristics.

Formulation Compatibility & Common Combinations

Vegetable Glycerin is compatible with most water-based cosmetic ingredients, including surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, botanical extracts, and preservation systems. It is commonly combined with other humectants such as propanediol or sodium lactate, as well as emollients and occlusives to balance hydration and sensory performance.

Shelf Life, Storage, and Packaging

Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months under recommended storage conditions
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry environment away from direct heat
Packaging Recommendations: HDPE or PET containers with tight closures
Handling Notes: Hygroscopic material; keep containers sealed to prevent moisture imbalance

Regulatory & Safety Notes

Regulatory Status: Approved for cosmetic use globally, including the United States and European Union
California Proposition 65: Not listed
EWG Context: Generally categorized as low hazard based on available data
Irritation and Sensitization: Generally well tolerated for topical cosmetic use
Clean Beauty Compatibility: Plant-derived, biodegradable, and compatible with clean, natural-leaning, and transparency-focused formulation standards