EPA Proposes New Active Ingredient Registration: Glycerol Formate
Glycerol formate is an ester formed from glycerol and formic acid. It has potential uses in various industries, including cosmetics as a humectant and emollient, where it may help to retain moisture in skin care products. Additionally, it may serve as a plasticizer in polymer formulations and as a solvent due to its water solubility.
Glycerol formate is not widely recognized as a traditional antimicrobial agent in the way that chemicals like benzalkonium chloride, triclosan, or chlorhexidine are.
However, it could exhibit antimicrobial properties due to its ester structure and presence of the formate group, which might interact with microbial cell membranes or metabolic processes. Glycerol formate also retains some hydrophilic properties due to its glycerol backbone, which could influence the water activity in formulations. Lower water activity can limit microbial growth, indirectly contributing to an antimicrobial effect.
On September 16th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) proposed the registration of pesticide products containing glycerol formate for use in healthcare settings. These products are intended to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces and sanitize soft surfaces against bacteria, spores, and viruses.
EPA has conducted a risk assessment, concluding that glycerol formate poses no significant human health or environmental risks when used as directed.
Following public comment, EPA will determine whether the registration meets the FIFRA registration standard. If approved, the agency will finalize the decision and risk assessment, including an ESA effects determination.
Microchem will continue to track EPA regulations and provide updates as they become available.
