@polyglycerols regulation
Today, the increasing use of polyglycerols across different sectors—cosmetics, food, and technical-industrial applications—has consequently created the need for a clear and accurate understanding of the regulations governing their use. As a result, compliance with polyglycerols regulation directly affects both the conformity of finished products and, more importantly, their marketability in major international markets.
Indeed, thanks to their chemical properties, toxicological safety, and vegetable origin, polyglycerols are among the most versatile and highly valued ingredients in modern industry. However, each application area is subject to specific rules defined by authorities such as EFSA and ECHA. Therefore, a structured regulatory approach is essential.
For this reason, this article provides an up-to-date and concise overview of the legislative framework regulating the use of polyglycerols globally, with particular reference to Europe, the United States, and Asia.
A shared framework: safety, traceability, and purity
Regardless of the application sector, polyglycerols must meet common requirements for safety and traceability.
In particular Spiga Nord produces 100% vegetable-based, GMO-free, Kosher, and Halal polyglycerols that comply with major international standards, ensuring consistent purity and complete technical documentation (information sheets, technical data sheets, declarations of origin).
The main regulatory criteria required globally include:
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Absence of contaminants (heavy metals, residual solvents, phthalates).
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Traceability of raw materials (vegetable or synthetic origin).
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Compliance with chemical and food regulations of destination countries.
European regulation (EU): REACH, cosmetic, and food regulations
In Europe, polyglycerols and their esters fall under different regulations depending on their field of use. More specifically, the applicable framework varies according to the intended application.
a) REACH Regulation (EC No. 1907/2006)
Under REACH, any chemical substance placed on the market must be registered, as the regulation assesses its safety for humans and the environment. Depending on their composition, polyglycerols may be subject to REACH registration when they meet the definition of a substance, while others may be exempt as polymers. Consequently, Spiga Nord has registered under REACH those polyglycerols that fall within the substance category.
b) Cosmetic Regulation (EC No. 1223/2009)
With regard to cosmetics, polyglycerols are permitted as emulsifiers, humectants, and viscosity-modifying agents, provided they comply with the purity specifications established by the regulation and are not restricted under Annex II. In addition, Spiga Nord supplies complete documentation for inclusion in the Product Information File (PIF) and for cosmetic safety assessment (CPSR).
c) Food Regulation (EC No. 1333/2008)
Similarly, in the food sector, polyglycerol esters are identified by specific E-numbers, such as E475 (polyglycerol esters of fatty acids), authorized as food emulsifiers and stabilizers. Furthermore, they are considered safe by EFSA, with usage limits varying by food category.
Regulation in the United States: GRAS and FDA
In the United States, polyglycerols and their derivatives are recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Key references in Title 21 CFR include:
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§ 172.854 – Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids: authorized use as food emulsifiers.
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§ 175.300 – Resinous and polymeric coatings: use in food coatings and food-contact materials.
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§ 178.3400 – Lubricants with incidental food contact: use in technical lubricants with potential food contact.
In the cosmetic sector, the FDA includes polyglycerols in the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) list, where they are considered safe at typical usage levels.
Asian regulations: Japan, Korea, China, and ASEAN
At the same time, the Asian market is among the most strictly regulated with regard to technical and functional ingredients. Nevertheless, polyglycerols are widely accepted across multiple jurisdictions.
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For instance, South Korea regulates polyglycerols under K-REACH, in a manner similar to the European system.
As a consequence, inclusion in these regulatory frameworks confirms the recognized safety of polyglycerols and their broad applicability across multiple industrial sectors.
Spiga Nord’s role in international compliance
From a practical perspective, for manufacturers and formulators, polyglycerols regulation represents a crucial part of the product development process. Therefore, Spiga Nord provides full support to its B2B partners by offering:
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Complete technical dossiers (TDS, information sheets, declarations of conformity, certifications).
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Tailored regulatory assistance based on the sector and destination country.
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Continuous updates on legislative developments related to sustainable ingredients.
Thanks to this approach, combined with in-house production and full supply chain traceability, Spiga Nord ensures compliance of its polyglycerols with European, American, and Asian regulations, thus guaranteeing reliability and safety of use in every market.
Conclusion
The international regulatory landscape confirms that polyglycerols regulation is now well defined and favorable to their widespread use across multiple applications.
The combination of safety, vegetable origin, and global regulatory recognition makes polyglycerols a strategic ingredient for companies aiming to develop high-performance, compliant, and sustainable formulations.
With its technical expertise and constant focus on quality, Spiga Nord positions itself as a trusted partner for companies operating in full compliance with regulatory requirements and the demands of the global market.