User:Parmarc/sandbox

Overview

Glyceryl Triacetate, also known as Triacetin, is a humectant that is primarily used in various health, food, and cosmetic products. Humectants attract water molecules and help to retain moisture in a substance. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized the compound as a safe human food ingredient, as well as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Panel for cosmetics. In terms of its physical properties, glyceryl triacetate is a colorless, oily liquid with a fairly fatty odor and taste. This is key since it makes it easy for manufacturers to implement it in various products since it cannot be seen. It is naturally occurring as an oil obtained from butter, cod-liver oil, and various other fats. It is soluble in many substances, such as water, acetone, ethanol, and alcohol. This solubility allows it to easily attract water molecules.

Uses

Glyceryl Triacetate is widely used in many cosmetics, such as eyeliner, mascara, and nail polish. It is reported to function as a cosmetic biocide, plasticizer, and solvent in cosmetic formulations. In the market, it is currently used in 13 different cosmetic formulations. Low concentrations of about 0.8-4% are implemented in such formulations. It has also been known to be a commonly used carrier for flavors and fragrances, helping products retain their scents and tastes. It also serves as a solvent for basic dyes in the production of photographic films and celluloid, paint, lacquer and varnish industries. Glyceryl triacetate can also operate as a tobacco humidifier and plasticizer in the filters of cigarettes, meaning that it adds a sufficient hardness to the filter and keeps it intact.

Health Effects

Because Glyceryl Triacetate is used in such low concentrations, it has been approved by the FDA and the CIR Panel as safe for use in various products. However, its use in the filters of cigarettes has been of concern. Philip Morris recalled nearly 400,000,000 packs of cigarettes from thousands of sellers across the nation, citing contaminants in the glyceryl triacetate used in the filters. Other well known brands of cigarettes have been cited to cause irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as dizziness, coughing, and wheezing due to these contaminated filters.