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 |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 500-075-4
TSCA Inventory flag XU: a substance exempt from reporting under the Chemical Data Reporting Rule (40 CFR 711) (EPA flag legend).
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
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.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Glycereth-26?
Glycereth-26 (CAS 31694-55-0) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 500-075-4).