Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGlycerin UsesForms of GlycerinSide EffectsApplying to the Face
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Glycerin Uses
Forms of Glycerin
Side Effects
Applying to the Face
Glycerin, also calledglycerolandglycerine, is a sugar alcohol that occurs in nature and is also produced synthetically. It is a thick and sticky nontoxic liquid that has no color or odor.
Glycerin has many uses in cosmetics, drugs, and household products. It is used as a moisturizer, a preservative, and a food sweetener. It has value in items that include lotions, soap, and food. It is also used in diverse products, including antifreeze, cement, textiles, and waxes.
This article describes the makeup and many uses of glycerin.
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Glycerin Uses: What’s It Made Of?
Glycerin is made of three carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and three oxygen atoms in the formula of C3H8O3. This compound is acarbohydratecalled a sugar alcohol, or polyol.
Glycerin liquid occurs naturally from the fermentation of certain foods like honey, vinegar, and beer. However, most of the glycerin used is obtained from the following sources:
Glycerin has the following uses:
Cosmetics
Glycerin is good for your skin. Its characteristics as ahumectant(a substance that reduces the loss of moisture), solvent, and lubricant are valuable to skin care products.
The primary benefit of using glycerin on dry skin is its ability to prevent water from evaporating. It can keep your skin hydrated longer than other moisturizing products. Research indicates that glycerin has strong moisturizing factors and is a powerful and effective humectant.
Foods and Beverages
Glycerin has multiple uses in foods. It is most often found in processed, packaged, and frozen foods used in the following ways:
Personal Care
Glycerin has value as a humectant, solvent, lubricant, and sorbitol (another sugar alcohol used as a sweetener) replacement in personal care products. It is a common ingredient in the following products:
Pharmaceutical
Glycerin is used as a key ingredient in the manufacture of the following pharmaceutical products:
Household, Industrial, and Institutional
Glycerin is widely used in household, industrial, and institutional products, including the following applications:
Moisturizer Ingredients: Understanding the Label
Glycerin may be included on the label of many over-the-counter consumer products as it is used in the manufacturing process. Glycerin is used in the following forms where it may be indicated as a major component of the product and considered an active ingredient:
How to Identify the Source of Your GlycerinGlycerin can be obtained from two different kinds of sources. Natural and synthetic glycerin have the same chemical composition. However, unless “vegetable,” “animal,” or “synthetic” glycerin is indicated, the only way to know the source of glycerin is to check with the manufacturer of the product you’re using.
How to Identify the Source of Your Glycerin
Glycerin can be obtained from two different kinds of sources. Natural and synthetic glycerin have the same chemical composition. However, unless “vegetable,” “animal,” or “synthetic” glycerin is indicated, the only way to know the source of glycerin is to check with the manufacturer of the product you’re using.
When Would Glycerin Cause Side Effects?
However, it can cause some side effects when consumed in amounts that are not found in individual foods or a typical diet. With excessive consumption, glycerin can cause a laxative effect with the following symptoms:
Though rare, glycerin can also cause side effects when applied topically.In these cases, it is likely to cause the following symptoms ofcontact dermatitis(a skin reaction from direct exposure to a specific chemical substance):
Glycerin may also cause burning and stinging if it gets in the eye.
Dry Skin Under Eyes: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
How to Safely Apply Glycerin for Face Benefits
Glycerin is a key ingredient in many cosmetics, and you can safely apply the glycerin alone to your face. Glycerin is readily available for purchase in drugstores and online. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best formulation to use if you are unsure which product to try.
Before using any new product on your face, you may wish to perform patch test. Apply a small amount to a small area of skin (such as on the underside of your arm) twice a day and check it in over the course of several days for any sign of irritation, such as redness or discoloration, swelling, or itchiness.
Before using, read the package instructions. Many products only say to apply it to the skin, which you might do with a cotton pad or tissue.Rinsing the skin first may help keep moisture in. You may wish to dilute the glycerin with tap water to thin it.
Summary
Glycerin is a compound liquid widely used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Glycerin acts to retain moisture, to sweeten foods without adding sugar, and to preserve food. It also serves as a binding agent, laxative, and antifreeze. This nontoxic compound rarely causes problems when consumed in foods or used on your skin.
While this substance is commonly used, excess use can lead to adverse effects. Consult your healthcare provider if you notice redness, itching, or other skin problems when using this product. A reaction to overconsumption of glycerin orally may cause nausea and stomach problems.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.IFPC.What is glycerin?Nur Izyan WA, Aizi Nor Mazila R, Nor Hasmaliana AM, Nurrulhidayah S, Rohaida CM, El Enshasy H.Glycerol in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries: Basics and new applications.International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 2019;8(12):553-558.P&G Chemicals.Glycerin.Kang SY, Um JY, Chung BY, et al.Moisturizer in patients with inflammatory skin diseases.Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(7):888. doi:10.3390/medicina58070888.The Derm Review.Glycerin—what is glycerin? How is it used in skincare products?DailyMed.Label: Doctor’s Choice lubricant eye drops—glyercin solution/drops.DailyMed.Artificial tears—glycerin solution/drops.DailyMed.Label: glycerin suppository.National Center for Biotechnology Information PubChem.Glycerin.Food and Drug Administration.CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Volume 3: 21CFR182.1320.Mayo Clinic.Glycerin (oral route).Food Insight.What is glycerin?Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al.Safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics.Int J Toxicol. 2019;38(3_suppl):6S-22S. doi:10.1177/1091581819883820American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Skin allergy overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to test skin care products.DailyMed.AC ALL—glycerin liquid.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.IFPC.What is glycerin?Nur Izyan WA, Aizi Nor Mazila R, Nor Hasmaliana AM, Nurrulhidayah S, Rohaida CM, El Enshasy H.Glycerol in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries: Basics and new applications.International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 2019;8(12):553-558.P&G Chemicals.Glycerin.Kang SY, Um JY, Chung BY, et al.Moisturizer in patients with inflammatory skin diseases.Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(7):888. doi:10.3390/medicina58070888.The Derm Review.Glycerin—what is glycerin? How is it used in skincare products?DailyMed.Label: Doctor’s Choice lubricant eye drops—glyercin solution/drops.DailyMed.Artificial tears—glycerin solution/drops.DailyMed.Label: glycerin suppository.National Center for Biotechnology Information PubChem.Glycerin.Food and Drug Administration.CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Volume 3: 21CFR182.1320.Mayo Clinic.Glycerin (oral route).Food Insight.What is glycerin?Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al.Safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics.Int J Toxicol. 2019;38(3_suppl):6S-22S. doi:10.1177/1091581819883820American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Skin allergy overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to test skin care products.DailyMed.AC ALL—glycerin liquid.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
IFPC.What is glycerin?Nur Izyan WA, Aizi Nor Mazila R, Nor Hasmaliana AM, Nurrulhidayah S, Rohaida CM, El Enshasy H.Glycerol in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries: Basics and new applications.International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 2019;8(12):553-558.P&G Chemicals.Glycerin.Kang SY, Um JY, Chung BY, et al.Moisturizer in patients with inflammatory skin diseases.Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(7):888. doi:10.3390/medicina58070888.The Derm Review.Glycerin—what is glycerin? How is it used in skincare products?DailyMed.Label: Doctor’s Choice lubricant eye drops—glyercin solution/drops.DailyMed.Artificial tears—glycerin solution/drops.DailyMed.Label: glycerin suppository.National Center for Biotechnology Information PubChem.Glycerin.Food and Drug Administration.CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Volume 3: 21CFR182.1320.Mayo Clinic.Glycerin (oral route).Food Insight.What is glycerin?Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al.Safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics.Int J Toxicol. 2019;38(3_suppl):6S-22S. doi:10.1177/1091581819883820American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Skin allergy overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to test skin care products.DailyMed.AC ALL—glycerin liquid.
IFPC.What is glycerin?
Nur Izyan WA, Aizi Nor Mazila R, Nor Hasmaliana AM, Nurrulhidayah S, Rohaida CM, El Enshasy H.Glycerol in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries: Basics and new applications.International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 2019;8(12):553-558.
P&G Chemicals.Glycerin.
Kang SY, Um JY, Chung BY, et al.Moisturizer in patients with inflammatory skin diseases.Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(7):888. doi:10.3390/medicina58070888.
The Derm Review.Glycerin—what is glycerin? How is it used in skincare products?
DailyMed.Label: Doctor’s Choice lubricant eye drops—glyercin solution/drops.
DailyMed.Artificial tears—glycerin solution/drops.
DailyMed.Label: glycerin suppository.
National Center for Biotechnology Information PubChem.Glycerin.
Food and Drug Administration.CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Volume 3: 21CFR182.1320.
Mayo Clinic.Glycerin (oral route).
Food Insight.What is glycerin?
Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al.Safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics.Int J Toxicol. 2019;38(3_suppl):6S-22S. doi:10.1177/1091581819883820
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Skin allergy overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to test skin care products.
DailyMed.AC ALL—glycerin liquid.
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