Triacetin

Triacetin Description

Triacetin is a triglyceride, a type of lipid formed from glycerol and three fatty acids. It’s used in cosmetics as a solvent, preservative and texture enhancer.

Triacetin works to help dissolve and dilute substances, creating a consistent formulation. Beyond this, it assists in extending a product’s shelf life as a preservative, preventing the growth of unwanted substances within a product.

As a raw material, it appears as a colorless, viscous liquid. It also has applications in the food industry.

This particular triglyceride is a triester of glycerol, also known as glycerin, a powerful humectant. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed triacetin safe for use in cosmetic formulations. It’s commonly used in concentrations between 0.8% and 4.0%.