Triacetin (Glyceryl Triacetate) is a glycerin and acetic acid triester. It is a food-grade ingredient used as a solvent and carrier in pharmaceutical preparations and as a solvent and fixative in the compounding of perfumes and flavors.
Glyceryl Triacetate is a clear, colorless liquid without odor. It also serves as an ingredient in inks for printing on plastics and other nonabsorbent surfaces. In nature, triacetin is found in wine grapes and has been approved by the FDA as a food additive.
Triacetin is easily hydrolyzed, releasing free acetic acid. Processes requiring in situ generation of acid, such as textile dyeing, can utilize triacetin. In skin care preparations, it exhibits fungistatic properties thanks to acetic acid released after hydrolysis.
It is a good solubilizer for insoluble ingredients and a fragrance fixative or carrier in perfume. Triacetin has low volatility and color, high solvent power, and low toxicity. In skin and hair care applications, it can be used as an antimicrobial agent, emollient, lubricant, film-forming agent, hair dyeing agent, plasticizer, or solvent that is also compatible with cellulose.