9.0
ISS Score
B+ — Score based on regulatory approval status in 2 jurisdiction(s) and route-level risk assessment; no public toxicology studies available
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
moisturizer · solvent
Glycerin
Molecular Formula
C3H8O3
Molecular Weight
92.09 g/mol
Category
Humectant
Bottom Line: Glycerin is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, though individual reactions may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in appropriate concentrations.
- Formulated for skin compatibility.
- No known allergies to glycerin.
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin.
- You are using other active ingredients.
- You experience irritation.
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to glycerin.
- You experience adverse reactions.
- You are using products with conflicting ingredients.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C3H8O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 92.09 g/mol |
| Solubility | soluble in water, alcohol, and ether |
Common Use Cases
1 Categories
Cosmetic
General products. Verify suitability for specific formulation and intended use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to glycerin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low
Oral ingestion of glycerin in small amounts is typically safe, but excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Inhalation safety data for glycerin is limited. Caution is advised when using aerosolized products.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Glycerin is generally safe for ocular exposure in formulations like eye drops, but irritation may occur in sensitive individuals.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- Pregnant Individuals — Limited data is available on the safety of glycerin during pregnancy.
- Infants and Children — Safety data for glycerin in infants and children is limited.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- General Adult Population — Generally well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| General Adult Population | Very Low | Glycerin is widely used and generally well-tolerated in adults. Individual responses may vary. |
| Pregnant Individuals | Insufficient Data | Limited data is available on the safety of glycerin during pregnancy. |
| Infants and Children | Insufficient Data | Safety data for glycerin in infants and children is limited. |
Toxicology Data
0 Endpoints
Glycerin is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products, with a long history of safe use. However, individual reactions may vary.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Glycerin is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products, with a long history of safe use. However, individual reactions may vary.
- Widely used as a humectant.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics.
- Limited data on specific populations.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
Pending formal assessment
Report: No formal safety assessment identified
Year: 2026
Conclusion: This ingredient has not been formally assessed by major regulatory or scientific bodies based on available records.
Regulatory Status
Global
This ingredient is generally permitted for cosmetic use in major jurisdictions. Always verify current local regulations. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED WITHOUT RESTRICTION IN COSMETICS
None specified
United States
FDAGENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE (GRAS) FOR FOOD; PERMITTED IN COSMETICS
None specified
Frequently Asked Questions
Glycerin is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as a moisturizer and humectant, helping to retain moisture in the skin.
Glycerin is generally well-tolerated, but individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use to check for any adverse reactions.
While glycerin is considered safe in small amounts, excessive ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Always consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| v1.0.0 | 2023-10-01T00:00:00Z | — | Initial creation |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.