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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Glycerin (Glycerol)

  • Humectants
  • CAS 56-81-5
  • IUPAC: propane-1,2,3-triol

Glycerin (Glycerol) (CAS 56-81-5) appears in 10 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is on the EPA Safer Choice list.

OSHA TWA 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable). Not classified as hazardous under GHS. No reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity, or sensitization classification. Very low acute toxicity (LD50 > 57,000 mg/kg, rat, oral). FDA-listed as GRAS for food use.

Glycerin (glycerol, CAS 56-81-5) is a naturally derived polyol used as a humectant, emulsion stabilizer, and spreading agent. It is a byproduct of biodiesel production and widely regarded as one of the safest solvents in personal care and industrial formulations.

In automotive rubbing compounds, glycerin (<2%) supports the emulsion stability and spreads the compound evenly across polycarbonate or paint surfaces. It biodegrades readily and poses no aquatic hazard.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
yes
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Humectant, emulsion stabilizer, and spreading agent in water-based detailing products

Common questions about Glycerin (Glycerol)

What is Glycerin (Glycerol) used for in car care?
Humectant, emulsion stabilizer, and spreading agent in water-based detailing products
Is Glycerin (Glycerol) a VOC?
No. Glycerin (Glycerol) is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Glycerin (Glycerol) on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Glycerin (Glycerol) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Glycerin (Glycerol) EPA Safer Choice certified?
Yes. Glycerin (Glycerol) is on the EPA Safer Choice list.

10 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.