






Glycerin (USP)
Sold by weight (g or Kg) for formulation accuracy. Reference only: 250 g ≈ 200 mL (at 20°C).

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INGREDIENT OVERVIEW
Glycerin (USP)
Vegetable glycerin (USP) supplied as a high-purity, vegetable-derived grade selected for clarity, consistency, and predictable performance in cosmetic formulation.
Each batch is supported by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) verifying identity, purity, and compliance with USP standards — supporting reproducible results from small-scale development through to production.
QUALITY & SOURCING
- ≥99% assay vegetable glycerol meeting USP specification
- Excellent clarity and low odour, suitable for clear and light-coloured systems
- Consistent viscosity and composition batch-to-batch
- Clean microbial profile, verified through routine testing
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
- Ingredient: Glycerin (USP/ Ph Eur) - Vegetable Glycerol
- INCI: Glycerin
- CAS: 56-81-5
- Solubility: Water soluble
- Typical use level:
- Leave-on: 2–6%
- Rinse-off: 2-10%
- Above ~5–7%, increased tack may be noticeable depending on the overall formula design.
- Starter: 1-10%
FORMULATION NOTES
Processing notes
Add to the water phase with mixing until fully uniform. Suitable for both cold-process and heated systems. Compatible with a wide range of formulation types, including gels, emulsions, and surfactant-based systems.
At higher use levels, glycerine may influence viscosity and overall sensory feel; adjust rheology modifiers and emollient balance as needed.
Compatibility notes
- Generally compatible with most cosmetic ingredients and preservative systems.
- High glycerine levels may increase tack in leave-on products; balance with lower-tack humectants (e.g. pentylene glycol, propanediol) and suitable emollients.
- In surfactant systems, glycerine can improve post-rinse skin feel but may affect viscosity.
pH notes
Stable across typical cosmetic pH ranges (approx. 3–10).
Formulation examples
- Hydrating toner (2–5%)
- Humectant gel serum (3–8%)
- Lotion humectant phase (2–6%)
Troubleshooting
- Too Tack/stickiness → lower % glycerin/ add a secondary humectant with lower tack (pentylene glycol /propanediol)/ or rebalance emollients/rheology.
- Viscosity changes → adjust polymer/rheology
- Surfactant thinning/thickening → salt curve / adjust surfactant ratios
COMPARISON & ALTERNATIVES
- Less tack: propanediol / pentylene glycol
- More “cushion”: sodium PCA
- For preservation boost: pentylene glycol (dual role)
SENSORY PROFILE
- Glycerine contributes a smooth, hydrated skin feel at low to moderate use levels.
- At higher concentrations (typically above ~7–10%), tackiness may become noticeable, particularly in leave-on formulations with minimal emollient content.
- Perceived tack can be reduced by:
• pairing glycerine with lower-tack humectants (e.g. propanediol or pentylene glycol)
• incorporating suitable emollients or light esters
• optimising polymer or emulsifier selection - Sensory performance is formulation-dependent; bench testing is recommended to determine the optimal balance for the intended product type.
STORAGE & HANDLING
- Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Glycerin is hygroscopic (draws moisture from the air); keep containers sealed between uses to maintain consistency and minimise water uptake.
- Warm slightly (in a warm water bath) if needed to improve pourability in cooler conditions.
PRODUCT SAFETY
Low irritation potential. Suitable for leave-on and rinse-off systems when used within recommended levels.
DOCUMENTATION
- SP / PhEur cosmetic grade, vegetable derived.
- Typical assay ≥99.0% (batch-verified by COA).
- Heavy metals ≤5 ppm; compliant with cosmetic specifications.
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