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Triacetin

What Triacetin is & what it does

Triacetin is the triester of glycerin and acetic acid, also known as glyceryl triacetate, and appears as a clear, slightly oily liquid. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it is used as a solvent, plasticizer, and humectant, helping to dissolve other ingredients and to keep films flexible. It is a widely used, well-characterized ingredient that also appears in food and pharmaceutical products.

Is Triacetin safe in skincare?

Triacetin is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and is also used in foods and other products. It is the triester of glycerin and acetic acid and is used at functional levels in formulas. People with sensitive skin can patch test a new product as usual.

What does Triacetin do in skincare?

Triacetin works mainly as a solvent, plasticizer, and carrier in cosmetic formulas. It can help dissolve other ingredients, soften films, and act as a fragrance carrier. It is a versatile, multi-purpose ingredient rather than an active.

Is Triacetin natural or synthetic?

Triacetin is usually synthetic, produced by reacting glycerin with acetic acid, though both starting materials can be derived from natural sources. The finished ingredient is a purified ester used in cosmetics and foods. Its classification as natural or synthetic depends on the sourcing of those raw materials.

Sunscreens with Triacetin

We rate 10 sunscreens that contain it:

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