Glyceryl 1,2-dilaurate is the fatty acid diester of glycerol. Glyceryl diesters, on a whole, are FDA and CIR approved and are given the GRAS rating. It is used as an emollient (skin conditioning agent) in cosmetics for increasing the "body" and viscosity of emulsions and improving the elegance of low-cost formulations. In addition, it may be used for the preparation of nanolipid carriers for drug delivery.

Glyceryl 1-stearate (Glycerol monostearate), commonly known as GMS, is an organic molecule used as an emulsifier. GMS is a white, odorless, and sweet-tasting flaky powder that is hygroscopic. It is a glycerol ester of stearicacid. It occurs naturally in the body as a product of the breakdown of fats by pancreatic lipase, and is also found in fatty foods. GMS is a food additive used as a thickening, emulsifying, anti-caking, and preservative agent; an emulsifying agent for oils, waxes, and solvents; a protective coating for hygroscopic powders; a solidifier and control release agent in pharmaceuticals; and a resin lubricant. It is also used in cosmetics and hair care products. Used in antiperspirants and deodorants, baby care, body care, facial care, sun care, conditioners, facial make-up, creams and lotions-skin care, sprayable emulsions, feet, hands and nails, self-tanning, nail grooming and color cosmetics. GMS is largely used in baking preparations to add "body" to the food. It is responsible for giving ice cream and whipped cream its smooth texture. It is sometimes used as an anti-staling agent in bread. Glycerol 1-stearate is affirmed by FDA as GRAS.

Triacetin, also known as Glyceryl Triacetate, is a cosmetic biocide, plasticizer, and solvent in cosmetic formulations, at concentrations ranging from 0.8% to 4.0%. It is a commonly used carrier for flavors and fragrances. Triacetin was affirmed as a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) human food ingredient by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is used as an inactive ingredient additive in some drug formulations. It has been used as a plasticizer in the tests of acrylic polymer films for drug delivery. Triacetin is not toxic to animals. However, in one study, it caused erythema, slight edema, alopecia, and desquamation, and did cause some irritation in rabbit eyes. Concentration of triacetin in consumer products is in the range of about 0.005-2 % for cosmetics, and has been reported to be as high as 15-33 % for one specific antifungal drug.

Lisadimate (glyceryl PABA), a substituted aminobenzoate, is a sunscreen with actions similar to those of aminobenzoic acid. It is effective against UVB light. Glyceryl PABA (Escalol 106), present in many popular sunscreens, is a common sensitizer which invariably cross-reacts with benzocaine; it is present in over 400 over-the-counter products. Glyceryl PABA does not appear to cross-react with the sunscreening agents amyl (Escalol 506) and octyl (Escalol 507) dimethyl PABA. Glyceryl PABA, may, on occasion, cross-react with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), paraphenylenediamine, aniline, and sulfa drugs. Ironically, the sunscreening agent glyceryl PABA may, itself, act as a photosensitizing agent.