On 19 November 2025, the French Federation of Beauty Companies (FEBEA) published a white paper entitled “Towards sustainable glycerine”. This is the result of an analysis carried out with the Transitions consultancy to better understand market dynamics, the diversity of supply chains and the main environmental and social issues involved.
Found in more than half of all cosmetic products, glycerine is an essential functional ingredient.
Valued for its humectant, solubilising, emollient and stabilising properties, it contributes to the sensory quality, preservation and performance of formulas. It is also one of the few ingredients used across almost all product categories: face and body care, hygiene, hair care, make-up and toothpaste.
Glycerine is an ingredient used in several industrial sectors. It is produced during the processing of oils, of which it is a natural by-product.
Today, a significant proportion of the world’s glycerine still comes from the biodiesel sector, where it is generated during the transesterification of vegetable oils. This interdependence between sectors makes the market particularly sensitive to changes in energy and agricultural policies. The transformations underway in the energy sector, such as the gradual reduction in diesel consumption in Europe, could alter the availability of glycerine and, conversely, stimulate the development of more diversified and circular sectors.
The FEBEA has launched a collective effort to examine the origins, impacts and levers for action relating to glycerine used in cosmetics. This project follows on from the work carried out by Roquelaure, which had already highlighted the need for better …
