IHL · Humectants & solvents
Vegetable Glycerin USP
- INCI name
- Glycerin
- CAS number
- 56-81-5
- EC number
- 200-289-5
- Physical form
- Liquid
- Country of origin
- Malaysia · Indonesia · USA
- HS code
- 2905.45
- Grade
- USP / EP
- Shelf life
- 24–36 months
The most-used humectant in cosmetics and the one with the most consequential adulteration history. USP grade with DEG and EG testing on every lot is not a premium here — it is the baseline.
| Appearance | Clear colorless viscous syrupy liquid |
|---|---|
| Odour | Odorless |
| Solubility | Miscible with water and alcohol; insoluble in oils |
| Melting point | 17.8 °C (supercools readily) |
| pH | Neutral, ~5–7 (10% aqueous) |
| HLB | n/a |
| Storage | Cool, tightly sealed. Strongly hygroscopic — an open drum will pick up water and drift out of spec. |
| Manufacturing process | Hydrolysis and transesterification of vegetable triglycerides — a co-product of soap and biodiesel manufacture. |
Certifications
- DEG/EG tested
- Gluten-free
- Kosher
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
In full: Vegan · Kosher · RSPO Mass Balance available · Gluten-free · Non-GMO · DEG/EG tested every lot
| Application | Use rate |
|---|---|
| Lotion | 2–5% |
| Cream | 3–8% |
| Toner | 2–10% |
| Soap | 1–5% |
| Hair | 1–5% |
Formulation notes
- USP grade exists specifically because of the historic diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol adulteration incidents. We test DEG and EG on every lot and publish it on the COA. Ask any supplier who does not.
- Above about 10% glycerin turns tacky and, in low humidity, can read as drying. The humectant curve is not linear and more is not better.
- Palm is the dominant feedstock. If your brand carries a palm-free claim, this is the ingredient most likely to break it quietly.
Applications
- Lotion and cream
- Toner and essence
- Cold process soap
- Hair conditioner
- Sugar scrub
- Botanical extraction
Not classified as hazardous
Not classified as hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200. This determination is well-established for USP glycerin and is confirmed on the manufacturer SDS held for each lot.
- Transport classification
- Not regulated for transport — DOT, IATA, IMDG.
- Allergen statement
- No FDA major food allergen. Vegan only if vegetable-sourced — tallow glycerin exists in the trade and we do not stock it. Most commercial vegetable glycerin is palm-derived, which is the most commonly missed exposure in a palm-free claim. RSPO Mass Balance documentation available.
California Proposition 65
No listed constituent identified.
- SDS Safety Data Sheet On request
- TDS Technical Data Sheet On request
- COA Certificate of Analysis On request
- Allergen Allergen statement On request
- GMO GMO statement On request
- BSE/TSE BSE/TSE statement On request
- Vegan Vegan statement On request
- RSPO RSPO certificate On request
We send documents on request. No account, no vendor-qualification fee. Ask for Vegetable Glycerin USP documents.