Skincare Ingredient
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Glycereth-26
In Skincare: Is Glycereth-26 Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Glycereth-26 is a synthetic ingredient derived from glycerin.
- 02
This ingredient functions as both a moisturizer and a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations.
- 03
Concentrations of glycereth-26 are permitted up to 39.5% in rinse-off products and 6% in leave-on formulas.
- 04
The CIR Expert Panel has determined glycereth-26 to be safe for use in cosmetics as currently practiced.
Key Benefits
What Glycereth-26 does for your skin
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Role of Glycereth-26
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
HUMECTANT
Moisture MagnetAttracts and retains moisture in skin and hair
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Humectant ingredients draw water from the environment and deeper skin layers through hygroscopic properties. Common humectants include glycerin, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, urea, and alpha-hydroxy acids. These contain multiple hydroxyl groups or other hydrophilic functional groups that form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Mechanism involves attracting water to the stratum corneum, reducing transepidermal water loss, and increasing skin hydration.
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Thickness RegulatorAdjusts product thickness and flow properties
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Viscosity controlling ingredients modify product flow characteristics through thickening or thinning. Thickeners include natural gums (xanthan, guar), synthetic polymers (carbomers, acrylates), and inorganic thickeners (silica, clays). Mechanism varies: polymer chain entanglement, hydrogen bonding networks, particle association, or swelling. Rheology modifiers create desired texture, prevent separation, control application properties, and affect sensory perception. Can produce Newtonian (constant viscosity) or non-Newtonian (shear-thinning, thixotropic) flow behavior.
Products
containing Glycereth-26
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References
Scientific sources
Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine, February 2020, ePublication
Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2019, pages 1-11
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Frequently Asked Questions
Glycereth-26 — common questions
What is Glycereth-26 in skincare?
Glycereth-26 is a skincare ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations.
What does Glycereth-26 do? / Functions of Glycereth-26?
Common functions: HUMECTANT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Glycereth-26? / Is Glycereth-26 comedogenic?
Glycereth-26 has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Glycereth-26 is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).
Is Glycereth-26 safe for skin?
Glycereth-26 has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Glycereth-26 is an ethoxylated derivative of glycerin commonly used in cosmetics for its humectant and emollient properties. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, it is consi
Is Glycereth-26 good for sensitive skin?
Glycereth-26 has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Glycereth-26 in skincare?
Known considerations: Glycereth-26 is an ethoxylated derivative of glycerin commonly used in cosmetics for its humectant and emollient properties. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, it is considered safe for use in cosmetics under the conditions of good manufacturing practice, with no significant concerns for irritation or comedogenicity. However, as with all ethoxylated ingredients, there is a potential for trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, though this impurity can be removed through proper refining processes.