Common Name(s): Glycereth-7,glycereth-7,ethoxylated glycerin,water-soluble glycerol ether humectant
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides hygroscopic moisture retention from the ethoxylated polyol's multiple hydroxyl and ether oxygen groups, with improved water solubility versus glycerin and reduced transepidermal water loss potential at extreme humidity.
Why It's Used: Ethoxylation improves glycerin's formulation versatility — the added eo units provide surfactant-like properties enabling emulsification and solubilisation at higher mw, while retaining the polyol's inherent humectant and skin-compatible character.
How It Works: Ethylene oxide addition to glycerin's hydroxyl groups produces a peg-glycerol hybrid — combining peg's water-miscibility with glycerol's multi-oh humectant character. higher eo number → higher hlb → stronger emulsification tendency; lower eo → pure humectant.
Typically Found In: Moisturisers,emulsions,hair care
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – humectant
Secondary Functions: Moisture retention,hydration
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–15%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,barrier actives
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
1,4-dioxane monitoring required — ethoxylation can generate trace dioxane. supplier documentation confirming <10 ppm residual dioxane is required for eu and us regulatory compliance.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,glycereth-7 ethoxylated glycerin humectant review