Glycerin
INCI: GLYCERIN
Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Glycerin. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | 20000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 5000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rabbit | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 2000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 1000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | dog | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 9000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | dog | Chronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 4000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | guinea pig | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 2000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rabbit | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 5000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Chronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 10000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Chronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 20000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Chronic | COSMOS_DB |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Safety Opinions
Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).
(Panel) reviewed relevant animal and human data. The Panel concluded that glycerin is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment. Keywords cosmetics, safety, glycerin Introduction This is a review of the available scientific
(Panel) reviewed relevant animal and human data. The Panel concluded that glycerin is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment. Keywords cosmetics, safety, glycerin Introduction This is a review of the available scientific
(Panel) reviewed relevant animal and human data. The Panel concluded that glycerin is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment. Keywords cosmetics, safety, glycerin Introduction This is a review of the available scientific
(Panel) reviewed relevant animal and human data. The Panel concluded that glycerin is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment. Keywords cosmetics, safety, glycerin Introduction This is a review of the available scientific
(Panel) reviewed relevant animal and human data. The Panel concluded that glycerin is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment. Keywords cosmetics, safety, glycerin Introduction This is a review of the available scientific
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Glycerin, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Source: CIR
Expert Verdict
Foundational humectant ingredient with hygroscopic mechanism that increases stratum corneum water content rather than forming an occlusive film. FDA GRAS and CIR reviewed with no safety or regulatory concerns. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive, atopic, and acne-prone skin.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glycerin safe in cosmetics?
Foundational humectant ingredient with hygroscopic mechanism that increases stratum corneum water content rather than forming an occlusive film. FDA GRAS and CIR reviewed with no safety or regulatory concerns. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive, atopic, and acne-prone skin. The EU classifies Glycerin as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database. This ingredient has been reviewed by cir.
Is Glycerin allowed in the EU?
Glycerin EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Glycerin do in cosmetics?
Glycerin functions as: Humectant that attracts water from dermis and environment into the epidermis. Also functions as solvent and viscosity modifier. Does not form an occlusive film.. It is classified as a Humectant in our database. CAS number: 56-81-5.
What is the Margin of Safety for Glycerin?
adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
What is the NOAEL for Glycerin?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Glycerin is 20000 mg/kg bw/day based on a Short Term Toxicity study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.
Compliance Tools
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