Technical articles

Why Do Alcohols Differ in Function: Why Is Glycerol Mainly Moisturizing, Propylene Glycol Mainly Solubilizing, and Isopropyl Alcohol Fast-Drying? — Understanding Personal Care Formulation Functions from Structural Differences

1. Structural Differences: Why Do Alcohols Differ in Function?

 

In the ingredient lists of personal care and daily chemical products, propylene glycol, glycerol, and isopropyl alcohol all contain the word “alcohol” or belong to alcohol-type compounds, but their roles in formulations are not the same. Glycerol, also known as glycerin, is commonly used for moisturization and for improving lubricity. Propylene glycol is often used for auxiliary moisturization, solubilization, and improving system uniformity. Isopropyl alcohol is more commonly used in fast-drying, cleaning, degreasing, and disinfection-related products.

 

The fundamental reason for these differences lies in molecular structure. In particular, the number of hydroxyl groups, molecular polarity, hydrogen-bonding ability, and volatility determine their different functional characteristics in personal care formulations.

 

Ingredient

Structural Characteristics

Main Formulation Performance

Isopropyl Alcohol, IPA

3 carbon atoms, 1 hydroxyl group

Fast evaporation, fast drying, degreasing, cleaning

Propylene Glycol, PG

3 carbon atoms, 2 hydroxyl groups

Auxiliary moisturization, solubilization, carrier, skin-feel adjustment

Glycerol / Glycerin

3 carbon atoms, 3 hydroxyl groups

Humectant moisturization, lubricity, improvement of dryness

 

2. Starting with Structure: The Differences Among These Three “Alcohols” Begin with the Number of Hydroxyl Groups

 

All three are three-carbon alcohol compounds, but they differ in the number and position of hydroxyl groups. This forms the basis for their subsequent performance differences.

 

Ingredient

Number of Hydroxyl Groups

Alcohol Type

Key Structural Feature

Isopropyl alcohol

1

Secondary alcohol

The hydroxyl group is attached to the middle carbon atom

Propylene glycol

2

Diol

One hydroxyl group is located at each of the 1,2-positions

Glycerol

3

Triol

Three hydroxyl groups are distributed across the three carbon atoms

 

2.1 Isopropyl Alcohol: A Monohydric Secondary Alcohol

The molecular structure of isopropyl alcohol consists of 3 carbon atoms and 1 hydroxyl group, with the hydroxyl group located on the middle carbon atom. It is therefore classified as a secondary alcohol. Structurally, isopropyl alcohol contains two functional features: the polarity contributed by the hydroxyl group, and the affinity for organic phases contributed by the hydrocarbon structure. Because it has only 1 hydroxyl group, the number of sites available for hydrogen bonding is limited. This is the structural basis for its clear differences from propylene glycol and glycerol.

 

 

 

2.2 Propylene Glycol: A Dihydric Three-Carbon Alcohol

In personal care and daily chemical formulations, “propylene glycol” usually refers to 1,2-propylene glycol. It has 3 carbon atoms and 2 hydroxyl groups, making it a diol. Compared with isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol has one additional hydroxyl group; compared with glycerol, it has one fewer hydroxyl group. This structure places propylene glycol between monohydric alcohols and trihydric alcohols in terms of hydrogen-bonding sites and molecular polarity. It also allows propylene glycol to provide both a certain degree of water-binding ability and solubilizing capability in personal care formulations.

 

 

 

2.3 Glycerol: A Trihydric Three-Carbon Alcohol

Glycerol, also known as glycerin, has 3 carbon atoms and 3 hydroxyl groups in its molecule, making it a triol. Among these three molecules, glycerol has a relatively high number of hydroxyl groups and can provide multiple hydrogen-bonding sites. This structural feature gives it strong interactions with water and makes it important in moisturizing systems for personal care products.

 

 

 

3. How Structure Translates into Performance: Hydrogen Bonding, Volatility, Viscosity, and Solubility

 

3.1 Humectant Moisturization: Mainly Related to Hydroxyl Group Number, Hydrogen-Bonding Ability, and the Formulation Environment

An important function of humectant moisturizers is to form hydrogen bonds with water through polar groups such as hydroxyl groups, thereby helping the formulation system and the skin surface environment bind water. From a structure–property perspective, an increase in the number of hydroxyl groups usually means an increase in the number of sites available for hydrogen bonding with water, which can also enhance water-binding ability. Therefore, glycerol, propylene glycol, and isopropyl alcohol show clear differences in moisturizing tendency.

 

Ingredient

Number of Hydroxyl Groups

Ability to Form Hydrogen Bonds with Water

Humectant Moisturizing Tendency

Glycerol

3

Relatively strong

Relatively significant

Propylene glycol

2

Moderate

Moderate

Isopropyl alcohol

1

Relatively weak

Relatively weak

 

It should be noted that actual moisturizing performance is not determined solely by the number of hydroxyl groups. It is also affected by the addition level, ambient humidity, the composition of the aqueous phase, and the presence of paired ingredients such as oils, film-forming agents, and occlusive agents.

 

3.2 Volatility: Determined by Intermolecular Forces and Molecular Size

Volatility is closely related to intermolecular forces. The stronger the intermolecular forces, the more difficult it is for liquid molecules to escape from the surface; the weaker the intermolecular forces, the more pronounced the tendency to evaporate. Isopropyl alcohol has only 1 hydroxyl group, so its intermolecular hydrogen bonding is weaker than that of propylene glycol and glycerol. As a result, it is more volatile. Propylene glycol and glycerol contain more hydroxyl groups, leading to stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding and relatively lower volatility.

 

Ingredient

Characteristics of Intermolecular Forces

Volatility Tendency

Performance After Application

Isopropyl alcohol

Monohydric; relatively weak intermolecular forces

Relatively high

Easy to create a fast-drying, low-residue feel

Propylene glycol

Dihydric; moderate intermolecular forces

Relatively low

Can continuously participate in the regulation of aqueous systems

Glycerol

Trihydric; relatively strong intermolecular forces

Low

More noticeable residue and lubricating feel

 

Volatility itself is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage; it is a physical property. In fast-drying products, it can create a refreshing feel. In moisturizing products, however, it may contribute to dryness and tightness.

 

3.3 Viscosity and Residual Feel: Determined by Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding

As the number of hydroxyl groups increases, molecules are more likely to form stronger interactions with each other through hydrogen bonding. This usually increases liquid viscosity and enhances the residual feel after application. Glycerol contains 3 hydroxyl groups and has relatively strong intermolecular forces, so its viscosity and lubricating feel are more pronounced. Propylene glycol contains 2 hydroxyl groups and has lower viscosity than glycerol, giving it a relatively lighter sensory profile. Isopropyl alcohol has only 1 hydroxyl group and is relatively volatile, so it leaves little residue.

 

Ingredient

Viscosity and Residual Feel

Impact on Sensory Feel

Glycerol

Relatively high viscosity and noticeable residual feel

Increases lubricity, but may also cause tackiness

Propylene glycol

Moderate viscosity and lighter residual feel

Helps reduce the heaviness of a glycerol-only system

Isopropyl alcohol

Fast evaporation and low residual feel

Creates a fast-drying and refreshing feel, but provides insufficient moisturized feel

 

3.4 Solubility: Determined by Molecular Polarity and Affinity for Organic Phases

Alcohol molecules usually contain both polar hydroxyl groups and nonpolar hydrocarbon structures, giving them certain distinctive properties in solvent systems. However, different alcohols vary in polarity, hydrophilicity, and affinity for organic phases, so they are suited to different solvent-related tasks.

 

Propylene glycol has two hydroxyl groups, giving it good hydrophilicity while still retaining some affinity for organic phases. Therefore, in aqueous or hydroalcoholic systems, it is often used to improve the dissolution and dispersion of certain ingredients. Although isopropyl alcohol has only one hydroxyl group, its hydrocarbon portion accounts for a relatively larger share of the molecule, giving it some ability to dissolve certain oils and organic substances. At the same time, its relatively high volatility makes it suitable for solvent systems requiring low residue. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups, strong hydrophilicity, and high viscosity, so it is more oriented toward humectant moisturization and lubricity. It can also participate in the dissolution of some water-soluble systems, but rapid evaporation and degreasing are not its main characteristics.

 

4. From Performance to Formulation: How to Choose Among the Three Types of Products

 

4.1 Moisturizing Products: Glycerol Provides Basic Moisturization, While Propylene Glycol Assists with Adjustment

In creams, body lotions, hand creams, sheet mask essences, and facial cleansers, glycerol is commonly used to provide basic moisturization and a lubricating feel. Its value lies in its clear water-binding ability, which can enhance the moist feel and moisturizing performance of a product. However, when glycerol is used at high levels, it can increase tackiness, stringiness, and heaviness. Therefore, actual formulations usually do not rely solely on glycerol; instead, they combine it with other ingredients to improve sensory feel.

 

Formulation Objective

Main Design Approach

Improve basic moisturization

Use humectants such as glycerol, propylene glycol, betaine, and sodium hyaluronate to establish water-binding ability

Improve dryness and roughness

Combine with emollients, occlusive agents, film-forming agents, or barrier-repair ingredients

Reduce tackiness

Control the level of glycerol and add propylene glycol, butylene glycol, or light-feel solvents to adjust spreadability

Improve long-lasting moisturization

Humectants provide water-binding ability, while oils, silicones, or film-forming agents help reduce water loss, creating a synergistic moisturizing effect

 

4.2 Toners, Serums, and Sheet Mask Essences: Propylene Glycol Supports Solubilization and System Uniformity

Toners, serums, sheet mask essences, wet wipe liquids, and cleansing or hair/body wash products often contain fragrances, botanical extracts, preservative components, or certain functional ingredients. These formulations require ingredients that can maintain compatibility in the aqueous phase while also helping certain components dissolve or disperse uniformly. In such systems, the value of propylene glycol is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

 

Formulation Requirement

Role of Propylene Glycol

Dispersion of active ingredients

Acts as a solvent or co-solvent to improve the dispersion state of certain components

Compatibility of fragrances and extracts

Helps certain organic components enter aqueous systems

Sensory adjustment

Reduces the thick and heavy feel of a glycerol-only system

System stability

Improves the uniformity of aqueous formulations

Auxiliary moisturization

Provides a certain degree of water-binding ability

 

4.3 Cleaning, Fast-Drying, and Disinfection-Related Products: Isopropyl Alcohol Provides Volatility, Degreasing, and Low Residue

Cleaning, fast-drying, and disinfection-related products require rapid spreading and drying, while reducing oil residues on the skin or object surfaces. The volatility and degreasing ability of isopropyl alcohol make it suitable for these functions. Common applications include:  rinse-free hand sanitizers;  disinfecting wipes;  cleaning sprays;  degreasing products;  nail care or tool-cleaning products; and  some quick-drying sprays or hair products.

 

In cosmetics and personal care products, isopropyl alcohol can be used as a solvent, viscosity modifier, defoaming agent, and more. However, its use requires control of dryness. With frequent use or use at high concentrations, the skin may experience dryness, tightness, or stinging. Therefore, products such as rinse-free hand sanitizers are often combined with glycerol, propylene glycol, panthenol, or other moisturizing and soothing ingredients to improve the post-use skin feel.

 

5. How to Judge the Roles of the Three Ingredients from an Ingredient List

 

5.1 First, Look at the Product Type

The same ingredient can have different meanings in different products. When making a judgment, the product type should be considered first.

 

Product Type

Common Role of Glycerol

Common Role of Propylene Glycol

Common Role of Isopropyl Alcohol

Creams, lotions, body lotions

Moisturization, lubricity

Auxiliary moisturization, solubilization

Usually not a core ingredient

Toners, serums, sheet mask essences

Moisturization

Solubilization, auxiliary moisturization, carrier

At low levels, may be used as a solvent or to create a refreshing skin feel

Shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers

Reduces dryness after washing

Moisturization, solubilization, support for preservative systems

Less commonly used for moisturizing purposes

Rinse-free hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes

Helps reduce dryness

Auxiliary moisturization or solubilization

Fast drying, cleaning, disinfection-related functions

Cleaning sprays, degreasing products

Usually not the main functional ingredient

System support

Degreasing, volatility, fast drying

 

5.2 Then, Look at Ingredient Order

Ingredient order can help estimate approximate usage level and functional intensity. When glycerol appears relatively high in the ingredient list, the product usually has more noticeable moisturization and lubricity, but it may also be tackier. When propylene glycol appears relatively high in the ingredient list, it may simultaneously provide auxiliary moisturization, solubilization, and sensory adjustment. When isopropyl alcohol appears relatively high in the ingredient list, the product usually emphasizes volatility, freshness, degreasing, or disinfection-related functions, and it may be more likely to cause a dry feel.

 

Ingredient order can only be used to roughly judge the product design direction; it cannot be used to infer the exact addition level. The final sensory feel also depends on the combination of oils, thickeners, film-forming agents, surfactants, active ingredients, and fragrance systems.

 

5.3 Finally, Look at Paired Ingredients

Ingredient combinations often reveal the formulation design intent more clearly than a single ingredient alone.

 

Combination

Possible Indication

Glycerol + sodium hyaluronate + panthenol

Oriented toward moisturization, soothing, and improvement of dryness

Glycerol + oils + silicones

Glycerol provides water-binding ability, while oils and silicones help reduce water loss; overall, this indicates a richer moisturizing design

Propylene glycol + botanical extracts + fragrance

May serve as a solvent for extracts or fragrance components

Propylene glycol + preservative components

May help dissolve and disperse the preservative system

Isopropyl alcohol + water + thickener

Suggests a fast-drying gel or cleaning system

Isopropyl alcohol + glycerol

Provides fast drying while reducing dryness

 

6. Three Common Misunderstandings

 

6.1 Misunderstanding 1: Anything with “Alcohol” in Its Name Must Be Irritating

Glycerol, propylene glycol, and isopropyl alcohol all belong to alcohol-type compounds, but their structures and sensory profiles are completely different. Glycerol and propylene glycol are polyols and are commonly used for moisturization and solubilization. Isopropyl alcohol is a relatively volatile monohydric alcohol and is more commonly used in fast-drying, cleaning, and disinfection-related products. Whether an ingredient is irritating cannot be judged solely by whether its name contains “alcohol.” It also depends on the specific ingredient, concentration, product type, application area, and skin condition.

 

6.2 Misunderstanding 2: The More Glycerol, the Better the Moisturizing Effect

Glycerol has clear humectant moisturizing ability, but high use levels can cause tackiness, heaviness, and poor spreadability. For refreshing-type skincare products, the amount of glycerol needs to be balanced with the overall sensory profile. An effective moisturizing formulation usually does not rely on glycerol alone. Instead, it combines humectants, occlusive agents, emollients, and film-forming agents so that hydration, water retention, and sensory feel can all be achieved at the same time.

 

6.3 Misunderstanding 3: Propylene Glycol and Glycerol Can Be Freely Substituted for Each Other

Glycerol has stronger moisturizing ability, but it is also more likely to cause tackiness. Propylene glycol has weaker moisturizing ability, but its solubilizing and sensory-adjusting properties are more prominent. Replacing glycerol with propylene glycol may reduce the richness of moisturization. Replacing propylene glycol with glycerol may affect solubility, refreshing feel, and system stability. When substituting raw materials, solubility, viscosity, sensory feel, stability, and the target product type should all be considered comprehensively.

 

7. Classification and Application Tables for Alcohols and Related Moisturizing, Solubilizing, and Cleaning Raw Materials in Personal Care and Daily Chemical Formulations

 

Table 1. Core Alcohols and Volatile Solvents

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Catalog No.

Name

Specification or Purity

Product Features and Applications

Triol moisturizing raw material

56-81-5

G116208

Glycerol

Molecular biology grade, ≥99%

A typical triol, suitable for studies on polyhydroxy structures, humectant moisturization, viscosity changes, and water-binding ability

Diol solubilizing and moisturizing raw material

57-55-6

P103430

1,2-Propanediol

AR, ≥99%

A typical diol, suitable for studies on auxiliary moisturization, co-solvent systems, active ingredient dispersion, and skin-feel adjustment

Volatile alcohol solvent

67-63-0

I119459

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

Anhydrous grade, ≥99.5%

A typical volatile secondary alcohol, suitable for comparative studies on fast-drying, degreasing, cleaning, and alcohol-based disinfection systems

Volatile alcohol solvent

64-17-5

E299578

75% Disinfectant Alcohol

Moligand™, ≥75%, for disinfection

Suitable for studies on alcohol-based disinfection systems, hand-cleaning products, volatility, and dry-skin feel

Volatile alcohol solvent

71-23-8

P119680

n-Propanol

Anhydrous grade, ≥99.7%

A linear propanol, suitable for comparative studies on the volatility, solubility, and cleaning performance of propanol isomers

Aromatic alcohol solvent

100-51-6

B108202

Benzyl Alcohol

Anhydrous grade, ≥99.8%

An aromatic alcohol solvent, suitable for studies on fragrance solvents, preservative systems, and application differences between aromatic alcohols and aliphatic alcohols

 

Table 2. Diols, Polyols, and Polyether-Type Solubilizing and Moisturizing Raw Materials

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Catalog No.

Name

Specification or Purity

Product Features and Applications

Diol solubilizing and moisturizing raw material

107-88-0

B119672

1,3-Butanediol

Anhydrous grade, ≥99%

A commonly used diol, suitable for studies on moisturization, solubilization, low-tack aqueous systems, and skin-feel adjustment

Diol solubilizing and moisturizing raw material

504-63-2

P432773

1,3-Propanediol

Suitable for synthesis

A three-carbon diol, suitable for comparative studies on structural differences, moisturizing performance, and solvent properties of propanediol isomers

Diol solubilizing and moisturizing raw material

25265-71-8

D105105

Dipropylene Glycol (isomer mixture) (DPG)

≥99%

A low-volatility diol solvent, suitable for studies on fragrance carriers, solubilizing systems, and volatility differences

Diol solubilizing and moisturizing raw material

24800-44-0

T106592

Tripropylene Glycol

≥97% (mixture of isomers)

A propylene glycol polymer-derived solvent, suitable for studies on low-volatility solvent systems, fragrance carriers, and ingredient compatibility

Diol solubilizing and moisturizing raw material

107-41-5

M108565

2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD)

≥99%

A branched diol solvent, suitable for studies on solubilization, wetting, viscosity adjustment, and compatibility in aqueous formulations

Diol solubilizing and moisturizing raw material

2163-42-0

M141411

2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol

≥98%

A branched diol, suitable for studies on moisturization, solubilization, solvent replacement, and refreshing aqueous systems

Long-chain diol moisturizing synergist

5343-92-0

P108068

1,2-Pentanediol

≥98%

A carbon-chain-extended diol, suitable for studies on moisturization, preservative synergy, active ingredient solubilization, and water activity regulation

Long-chain diol moisturizing synergist

6920-22-5

H108067

1,2-Hexanediol

≥98%

A medium-chain diol, suitable for studies on moisturization, preservative synergy, and serum and sheet mask essence systems

Long-chain diol moisturizing synergist

1117-86-8

O108069

1,2-Octanediol

≥96%

A long-chain diol, suitable for studies on moisturization, preservative synergy, skin-feel improvement, and the influence of alcohol carbon-chain length

Long-chain diol moisturizing synergist

1119-86-4

D154360

1,2-Decanediol

≥98%

A long-chain diol, suitable for studies on preservative synergy and the effects of hydrophobic chains on solubility and antimicrobial performance

Polyether-type water-soluble solvent

25322-68-3

P103737

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

Average Mn 400

A water-soluble polyether, suitable for studies on solubilization, moisturization, active ingredient carriers, and hydrophilic solvent systems

 

Table 3. Sugar Alcohols, Polyhydroxy Moisturizers, and Natural Moisturizing Factor-Related Ingredients

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Catalog No.

Name

Specification or Purity

Product Features and Applications

Natural moisturizing factor-related ingredient

28874-51-3

L303332

Sodium L-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate

50% oily liquid

A natural moisturizing factor-related salt, suitable for studies on stratum corneum water binding, moisturizing systems, and water-retention ability

Sugar alcohol moisturizing raw material

87-99-0

X434315

Xylitol

Pharmaceutical grade

A polyhydroxy sugar alcohol, suitable for studies on moisturization, oral care, sugar alcohol structure, and water-binding ability

Sugar alcohol moisturizing raw material

50-70-4

D274374

D-Sorbitol

High purity, ≥99%

A polyhydroxy sugar alcohol, suitable for studies on moisturization, oral care, humectant systems, and water activity regulation

Sugar alcohol moisturizing raw material

69-65-8

M108829

D-Mannitol

Ultrapure grade, ≥99% (HPLC)

A polyhydroxy sugar alcohol, suitable for studies on moisturization, osmotic pressure regulation, sugar alcohol hygroscopicity, and stability

Sugar alcohol moisturizing raw material

149-32-6

E105712

meso-Erythritol

≥99%

A tetrahydroxy sugar alcohol, suitable for studies on refreshing moisturizing systems, sugar alcohol water-binding ability, and oral care

Polyhydroxy cyclic alcohol

87-89-8

I108336

Inositol

Moligand™, ≥99%

A polyhydroxy cyclic alcohol, suitable for studies on skin conditioning, scalp care, and the performance of polyhydroxy structures

Water-soluble moisturizing and conditioning ingredient

107-43-7

B105556

Betaine, anhydrous

Moligand™, ultrapure grade, ≥99%

An amphoteric small-molecule moisturizing ingredient, suitable for studies on osmotic pressure regulation, surfactant irritation mitigation, and moisturizing combinations

Natural moisturizing factor-related ingredient

57-13-6

U111897

Urea

AR, ≥99%

A natural moisturizing factor-related ingredient, suitable for studies on stratum corneum hydration, dry-skin care, and moisturizing efficacy evaluation

Acid-type moisturizing and regulating ingredient

50-21-5

L108841

DL-Lactic Acid

ACS, ≥85%

A natural moisturizing factor-related acid, suitable for studies on moisturization, pH adjustment, keratin care, and the influence of formulation acidity

 

Table 4. Soothing and Repairing Ingredients, Preservative Synergists, and Formulation Pairing Ingredients

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Catalog No.

Name

Specification or Purity

Product Features and Applications

Panthenol-type moisturizing and soothing ingredient

16485-10-2

P117668

DL-Panthenol

≥99%

A panthenol-type ingredient, suitable for studies on moisturization, soothing effects, hair care, and combinations with alcohol-based moisturizing systems

Panthenol-type moisturizing and soothing ingredient

81-13-0

P107368

D-Panthenol

≥98%

A panthenol-type ingredient, suitable for studies on moisturization, soothing effects, barrier care, and skin and hair care formulations

Soothing and repairing pairing ingredient

97-59-6

A101660

Allantoin

≥98%

A skin-conditioning ingredient, suitable for studies on soothing effects, dry-skin discomfort care, and moisturizing system combinations

Preservative- and solvent-related ingredient

122-99-6

E109370

Phenoxyethanol

≥99%

An aromatic ether alcohol ingredient, suitable for studies on preservative systems, solvent systems, and preservative synergy with diols

Preservative synergist and skin-feel adjustment ingredient

70445-33-9

E156476

3-(2-Ethylhexyloxy)-1,2-propanediol

≥98% (GC)

A glyceryl ether-structured ingredient, suitable for studies on preservative synergy, skin-feel adjustment, deodorizing systems, and combinations with diols

 

Note: The above products are representative Aladdin products for scientific research, analysis, and formulation research. More information on product specifications, grades, and COA/SDS documents can be searched on the Aladdin website by “product name/CAS/catalog number.” Whether the relevant products can be used in cosmetics, disinfection products, or other finished-product manufacturing should be confirmed separately based on product grade, regulatory requirements, quality documents, and specific application scenarios.

 

References

 

[1] National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for Isopropanol, CID 3776. PubChem. Accessed June 1, 2026.

 

[2] National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for Propylene Glycol, CID 1030. PubChem. Accessed June 1, 2026.

 

[3] National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for Glycerol, CID 753. PubChem. Accessed June 1, 2026.

 

[4] Fiume M M, Bergfeld W F, Belsito D V, et al. Safety Assessment of Propylene Glycol, Tripropylene Glycol, and PPGs as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 2012, 31(Suppl. 5): 245S–260S.

 

[5] Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics. Cosmetic Ingredient Review.

 

[6] European Commission. CosIng: Cosmetics Ingredients Database. European Commission.

 

[7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hand Sanitizer Guidelines and Recommendations. Clean Hands, CDC. Updated March 12, 2024.

 

[8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hand Sanitizer Facts. Clean Hands, CDC. Updated April 17, 2024.

 

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Aladdin Scientific. "Why Do Alcohols Differ in Function: Why Is Glycerol Mainly Moisturizing, Propylene Glycol Mainly Solubilizing, and Isopropyl Alcohol Fast-Drying? — Understanding Personal Care Formulation Functions from Structural Differences" Aladdin Knowledge Base, updated 1 jul 2026. https://www.aladdinsci.com/us_es/faqs/why-do-alcohols-differ-in-function-why-is-glycerol-mainly-moisturizing-propylene-glycol-mainly-solubilizing-and-isopropyl-alcohol-fast-drying-en.html
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