Ingredient index / Personal care & food
Glycerin
A humectant: an ingredient that binds water and helps retain moisture in a formula and on the skin surface.
- Label name
- Glycerin
- Typical function
- Humectant
- Use
- Personal care & food
- Other names, identifiers and related terms
- Glycerol · Glicerol · E422
Where is it commonly found?
Creams, cleansers, toothpaste and foods.
What should you check on the label?
The name alone does not identify its origin. If sourcing matters to you, check the manufacturer’s statement.
Sources and context
Reference materials cover ingredient names, uses or the context of an ingredient group. They do not assess a specific product. FDA materials describe the US context, while CosIng covers the EU; conditions of use may differ.
A name alone does not establish concentration, finished-product safety or individual tolerance. Read the full label and manufacturer directions. This information is educational.
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