Glycerol ethoxylate

Glycerol ethoxylate (CAS 31694-55-0), also known commercially as Glycereth-3, is a polyol derivative produced by ethoxylating glycerol to introduce hydrophilic ethylene oxide units.

Where is Glycerol ethoxylate used?

• Personal care: humectant, emulsifier and carrier
• Cosmetics and skincare: retains moisture at the skin surface
• Pharmaceuticals: solubilizing carrier for active ingredients in topical and semi-solid dosage forms
• Coatings and adhesives: reactive diluent and rheology modifier that adjusts viscosity and improves substrate wetting
• In food-contact and nutraceutical applications it serves as a carrier and humectant where approved grades are specified.

Good to know: Cosmetic-grade material is aligned with Glycereth-3 INCI specifications; technical and industrial grades serve coatings and adhesive applications. Purity levels and ethoxylation degree, typically around 3 moles EO, are key specification points buyers should confirm with suppliers.

Commercial specifications

• Purity levels and ethoxylation degree, typically around 3 moles EO, to be confirmed with suppliers