GLYCERETH-26- ▸ Humectant: moisture-binding ingredient for personal-care formulations
- ▸ Viscosity control: rheology and viscosity-adjusting ingredient
- ▸ Solvent: solubilizing co-solvent in aqueous systems
- ▸ Skin conditioning: skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Glycereth-26 (INCI Glycereth-26; CAS 31694-55-0) is a water-soluble humectant and solubilizer — glycerin reacted with about 26 moles of ethylene oxide. The polyether chain makes it strongly water-binding yet far less sticky than glycerin, and surface-active enough to solubilize fragrance and oils, so it doubles as a humectant and a co-solubilizer in clear personal-care systems. Identity: PubChem.
What is glycereth-26?
Glycereth-26 is an ethoxylated glycerin: a glycerol core carrying around 26 ethylene-oxide units. The long hydrophilic chain binds water (humectancy) while giving a lighter, less tacky feel than neat glycerin, and the polyether is mildly surface-active, letting it help dissolve fragrance and lipophilic ingredients into water-based formulas. It is water-soluble and compatible across surfactant systems.
Applications by sector
Skin & hair care. A humectant and water-binding agent that holds moisture in the formula and improves feel with less tack than glycerin, plus a conditioning and slip aid. Solubilizing. A co-solubilizer for fragrance, essential oils and oil-soluble actives in clear gels, toners and sprays. Viscosity / feel. A humectant and texture modifier in cleansers and emulsions. These describe water-binding and formulation behavior, not a skin-health or hydration claim about the user.
Forms and grades
Supplied as a clear liquid; confirm grade and active content on the RFQ. Related humectants/polyols: glycerin, propylene glycol.
Handling and documentation
Each lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA); request the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for handling and physical-property data.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource supplies glycereth-26 in bulk to personal-care formulators, with CoA and SDS per lot. Submit an RFQ with your grade and target quantity. See also beauty & personal care.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Glycereth-26 |
| CAS Number | 31694-55-0 |
| Chemical type | Ethoxylated glycerin (glycerin + ~26 EO) |
| Appearance | Clear liquid |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| Function | Humectant (water-binding); solubilizer; conditioning/feel aid |
| Flammability / handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is glycereth-26 used for?
Glycereth-26 (CAS 31694-55-0) is a water-soluble humectant and solubilizer used to bind water in skin and hair formulations with less tack than glycerin, and to co-solubilize fragrance and oils in clear systems.
How is glycereth-26 different from glycerin?
It is glycerin ethoxylated with ~26 EO units, which keeps the water-binding humectancy but gives a lighter, less sticky feel and adds mild surface activity (solubilizing power) that neat glycerin does not have.
Is glycereth-26 water soluble?
Yes — the long ethylene-oxide chain makes it fully water-soluble, which is the basis of its humectant and solubilizer roles.
What is the CAS of glycereth-26?
It is CAS 31694-55-0 (PubChem CID 88802 for the representative structure). As an ethoxylate it is a defined-average material; the CoA documents each lot.
How is bulk glycereth-26 supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies it as a clear liquid in bulk with CoA and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your target quantity.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including chemical properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim, or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information.