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Moumoujus

GLYCERETH-26.

Valuable CAS 31694-55-0 / HUMECTANT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Glycereth-26 is a versatile polyether of glycerin, engineered to significantly enhance skin hydration and softness. It functions as a potent humectant, attracting moisture, while also acting as an emollient to impart a smooth skin feel.

Summary

Moisturizer/Humectant Emollient Viscosity Controlling Emulsifier Solvent Skin-Conditioning Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

Operating primarily as a humectant, Glycereth-26 actively draws atmospheric moisture into the skin's superficial layers, thereby augmenting epidermal hydration and promoting a plump appearance. Concurrently, it serves as an emollient by establishing a light, protective barrier on the skin, aiding in moisture retention and contributing to a notably smooth and soft tactile experience. Its multifaceted utility extends to acting as a skin-conditioning agent, a viscosity modulator, and a co-solvent, which can enhance the solubility and penetration of other active ingredients within cosmetic matrices.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 A maximization test conducted on 55 subjects demonstrated no adverse reactions, dermal irritation, or allergic contact sensitization, indicating high skin tolerance in leave-on applications.
  2. 02 A Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT) involving 103 subjects found no significant dermal irritation or allergic contact sensitization for a rinse-off product.
  3. 03 Highest reported use concentration in leave-on eye lotions.
  4. 04 Highest reported use concentration in rinse-off skin cleansing products.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Glycereth-26 is not typically associated with dusting as it is a liquid ingredient used in formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Glycereth-26 exhibits broad compatibility with cationic, non-ionic, and anionic surfactants and maintains stability across a wide pH spectrum. It effectively contributes to emulsion stabilization and can act as a co-solvent, thereby improving the solubility of other formulation components. It imparts a desirable non-greasy, smooth, and delicate feel to cosmetic formulations.

Synergies

  • Compatible with cationic, non-ionic, and anionic surfactants
  • Enhances solubility and penetration of other active ingredients
  • Stabilizes emulsions

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Insufficient data
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has not issued a definitive safety conclusion for Glycereth-26, citing insufficient data under its intended conditions of use. However, comprehensive human studies, including a maximization test at 5% on 55 subjects and an HRIPT at 3% on 103 subjects, have consistently shown no significant dermal irritation, adverse reactions, or allergic contact sensitization. Furthermore, European cosmetic regulations do not restrict the use of ethoxylated glycerin derivatives, and the ingredient is recognized by the FDA through its UNII database and VCRP program, suggesting a generally favorable safety profile at observed use concentrations.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Glycereth-26 is a valuable ingredient, providing significant hydration, emollience, and formulation benefits with a demonstrated low risk of irritation or sensitization across various skin types, despite the CIR's call for more comprehensive data.

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