Glycerin plays a crucial role in countless products we use every day. Next to water, glycerin is the most common ingredient employed in the formulation of cosmetics, personal care products and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
What Is Glycerine?
The story of glycerine begins in 1779. A Swedish chemist named Carl Wilhelm Scheele was heating olive oil together with another chemical containing lead when he accidentally discovered glycerine. He then reported his findings and the glycerine production process in 1783.
Glycerin, also called glycerine, and glycerol is a trihydric alcohol with a molecular formula C3H5(OH)3. Its IUPAC name is Propanol-1,2,3-triol. is a trihydric alcohol with the molecular formula C3H5(OH)3. It is colorless, odorless, and has a sweet taste. Additionally, it is highly viscous and hygroscopic, with a high boiling point. It easily dissolves in water because of its three hydroxyl groups.
Glycerine is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. One key characteristic of glycerine is its ability to function as a humectant, meaning it attracts water from its surroundings. This property, due to the three hydroxyl (-OH) groups in its structure, makes glycerine an effective moisturizer and preservative. In addition, glycerol is highly stable under normal storage conditions, compatible with many other chemical materials, virtually non-irritating in its various uses, and has no known negative environmental effects. Its unique properties make it valuable in numerous applications.
Uses and Applications
Cosmetics and Personal Care:
Cosmetic-grade Glycerin is widely used as a moisturizer, humectant, Emollient. It is non-comedogenic, gentle with skin and compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients. As a humectant, it helps retain moisture, making it an essential component in formulations for skincare, hair care, fragrance and perfumes, and even toothpaste. Glycerol is often used to replace more hazardous components such as propylene glycol in cosmetic formulations.
Food and beverage Industry:
Food-grade Glycerin, (also known as glycerin or E422) serves as a non-toxic and safe solvent. It is considered safe for consumption by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), allowing it to be used for various purposes, including:
- Sweetener in low-calorie foods and sugar-free products
- Preservative to Improve Shelf-Life
- In the formulation of food emulsifiers
- Texture and Flavor Enhancer
Applications of food-grade Glycerin:
Its unique properties make it an essential ingredient in many food products. It is widely used in production of bread, cakes, wafers, candies, chocolates, flavors and extracts. Frozen food, baby food, dairy products, and pet foods.
Pharmaceuticals:
Pharmaceutical-grade Glycerin, meeting the standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). It is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent, moisturizer, and stabilizer. This biocompatible ingredient is compatible with a wide range of active ingredients and pharmaceutical excipients.
Applications of pharmaceutical-grade Glycerin:
- Wound healing products such as ointments, gels, and bandages
- Some injectable substances
- Creams, lotions, ointments, gels, and balms
- Oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash
Industrial applications:
Industrial-grade glycerin has unique properties such as chemical and physical stability, compatibility with a wide range of industrial ingredients, and biodegradability. These unique properties, make it a valuable ingredient in various industries.
Applications of industrial-grade Glycerin:
- Solvent and chemical mediator
- Polyurethane production
- Adhesives
- Lubricants and metalworking fluids
- Antifreezes and coolants
- Coatings, paints, resins, and inks
Is Glycerine Safe to Use?
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that glycerine is “generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice”. According to the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP), the use of Glycerin has been documented in 11972 cosmetic products, second to water, which has reported in 26241 cosmetic products. While glycerine is usually safe, on extremely rare occasions, it may cause allergic reactions in some people. If you notice redness, itching, or a rash after using a product with glycerine, stop using it right away. You might want to visit a doctor for an allergy test to confirm if glycerine was indeed the culprit. Also, try switching to a glycerine-free alternative, and always check product labels carefully.
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