Triacetin
A solvent and plasticizer. It dissolves polish and film components and keeps the coating flexible. It does not affect skin in the finished product.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Triacetin (INCI Triacetin) is a solvent and plasticizer derived from glycerin. In a formula it dissolves lacquer and film components and keeps the coating flexible, mainly in nail polishes and some film-forming products. In the finished product it does not act on skin. Its role is strictly functional. It is not a care active and brings no skin benefit; it is there to give the formula the right physical properties. It does that job well. Systemic exposure from topical use is negligible, so it can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is high: irritation and allergy risk are low, suitable for sensitive skin. It does not dry the skin and is not linked to pore clogging in normal use.
Frequently asked questions
Is Triacetin safe during pregnancy?
Triacetin is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Triacetin for?
Triacetin suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Triacetin and what does it do in cosmetics?
A solvent and plasticizer.
What's the INCI name for Triacetin?
The INCI name is Triacetin. It may also appear as: Glyceryl Triacetate.
See Triacetin in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Triacontanyl PVP, Tribehenin, Tributyl Citrate, Tridecane, Cellulose Acetate, Glycol Montanate, PEG-150 Distearate, Propylene Glycol Laurate
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