Ingredient guide ›

Glycerin

Meet the moisture magnet.

What it does

Draws water into the top layer of your skin to keep it soft and hydrated. It also helps blend the formula.

Good to know

One of the most widely used skincare ingredients. It also goes by glycerol or glycerine.

Often found in: Shower gels, Shampoos, Soaps

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: On the Hotlist: in leave-on and oral products, it must meet purity rules for a contaminant called DEG. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• EFSA: Re-evaluation of glycerol (E 422) as a food additive (2017) (Independent)
• CIR: Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics (2019) (Industry-funded)