BASF
manufacturer
Ingredient Profile
Water-soluble humectant and polyol used for moisture retention, solvent support, and sensory modification.
INCI Name: Glycerin
CAS Number: 56-81-5
IUPAC Name: propane-1,2,3-triol
EC Number: 200-289-5
Molecular Formula: C3H8O3
Ionic Type: Nonionic
Chemical Family: N/A
Abbreviations: N/A
Glycerin is a water-soluble polyol used as a humectant, solvent support, and plasticizing component in formulations.
Glycerin is a widely used polyol in personal care, home care, food-related, pharmaceutical excipient, and technical formulations. It contributes humectancy, solvent support, freezing point depression, and sensory modification depending on concentration and grade.
Commercial glycerin grades vary by assay, water content, color, odor, impurity profile, and feedstock origin. USP, food, cosmetic, or technical suitability depends on supplier grade and documentation.
Typical Use Level: Commonly used around 0.5-20% depending on product type, skin feel, water activity, and formulation target.
Solubility: Miscible with water
pH Range: N/A
Functional Role: Humectant, solvent support, plasticizer, and freeze-thaw support component.
| Property | Value | Unit | Source / Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear viscous liquid | N/A | Typical commercial form |
| Assay | 95 - 99.9 | % | Grade dependent |
| Density | 1.24 - 1.27 | g/cm3 | Typical at 20-25 C |
| Solubility Water | Miscible with water | N/A | Typical behavior |
| Viscosity | High relative to water; temperature dependent | N/A | Supplier dependent |
| Water Content | Grade dependent | N/A | Check supplier CoA/TDS |
Oxidizers
status: avoid | Avoid incompatible oxidizing conditions; verify supplier SDS
Water
status: compatible | Miscible with water
Alcohols
status: compatible | Generally compatible with many alcohol/polyol systems
manufacturer
manufacturer
Review and verify supplier SDS/TDS before handling, scale-up, or commercial use. Glycerin is generally handled as a low-volatility liquid but spills can create slip hazards.
Use must match grade, purity, market, and regional requirements. Confirm suitability from supplier SDS/TDS and any grade-specific compliance documents.