Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics

Int J Toxicol. 2019 Nov/Dec;38(3_suppl):6S-22S. doi: 10.1177/1091581819883820.

Abstract

This is a safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics. Glycerin functions as a denaturant, fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, humectant, oral care agent, oral health-care drug, skin protectant, skin conditioning agent-humectant, and viscosity-decreasing agent. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (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; glycerin; safety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Consumer Product Safety*
  • Cosmetics / chemistry*
  • Glycerol / chemistry
  • Glycerol / isolation & purification
  • Glycerol / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • Cosmetics
  • Glycerol