Is Glycereth-7 Triacetate Safe?

Is Glycereth-7 Triacetate Safe? 

What is Glycereth-7 Triacetate?

Glycereth-7 Triacetate is a synthetic chemical used as a humectant, emollient, skin conditioner, acid, and solvent in cosmetic formulas. It imparts a silky feel to skin and can hold hydration on the skin to make it feel moisturized. Glycereth-7 triacetate is a triester of acetic acid with a PEG ether of glycerin containing an average of 7 moles ethylene oxide. (Source) It is also known as PEG-7 glyceryl ether triacetate. 

What are its risks? 

There is not a lot of safety data available on glycereth-7 triacetate, however it is an ethoxylated chemical. It can be derived from natural oils but it is processed with the carcinogen ethylene oxide. Traces of ethylene oxide and its carcinogenic by-product 1,4-dioxane can remain in the product. Other contaminants commonly present in ethoxylated chemicals are polycyclic aromatic hydro carbons (PAHs, the same carcinogens that form on grilled meats) and metals like lead, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and arsenic. 

Is Glycereth-7 Triacetate Vegan?

Glycereth-7 Triacetate can be made from a combination of petroleum, vegetable oil, and animal by-products. If you wish to use a product with this ingredient and are vegan, ask the company if it is from vegan sources. Petroleum-derived ingredients are considered to be vegan because they don't use animal-based inputs. 

What types of products contain Glycereth-7 Triacetate?

Glycereth-7 triacetate can be found in hand sanitizer, hair spray, facial cleansers, moisturizers, serums, toners, sunscreen, and conditioner.

Bottom Line

Glycereth-7 triacetate is made with carcinogenic chemicals. It can contain problematic impurities like heavy metals as well as trace amounts of carcinogens like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. While it may impart temporary moisture to skin, it does nothing to truly nourish the skin (with antioxidants, etc). I recommend avoiding this ingredient.