Gliserol, also known as glycerin or glycerol, is a simple polyol compound widely recognized for its humectant, emollient, and moisturizing properties.
Derived from natural fats and oils through hydrolysis or transesterification, Gliserol is a versatile ingredient used across various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications.
Gliserol is especially valued for its non-toxic, biodegradable profile and its ability to retain moisture, enhance texture, and stabilize formulations.
CAS Number: 56-81-5
EC Number: 200-289-5
Molecular Formula: C₃H₈O₃
Molecular Weight: 92.09 g/mol
Synonyms: Gliserol, Glycerol, Glycerin, 1,2,3-Propanetriol, Glycerin USP, Vegetable Glycerin, Glycerol Anhydrous, Glycerine Solution, Glycerol Monohydrate, Propanetriol
APPLICATIONS
Gliserol is widely used in skincare formulations such as moisturizers, lotions, and creams for its moisture-retaining and skin-softening effects.
Gliserol is included in facial serums and cleansers to maintain hydration and support the skin’s natural barrier.
Gliserol is employed in anti-aging products to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Gliserol is utilized in hair care products like shampoos and conditioners to hydrate and improve hair texture.
Gliserol is found in oral care products, including toothpaste and mouthwash, for its humectant and stabilizing functions.
Gliserol is applied in makeup products such as foundations and setting sprays to provide a smooth and hydrated finish.
Gliserol is used in pharmaceutical formulations, including syrups, elixirs, and topical gels, due to its soothing and solubilizing properties.
Gliserol is included in wound care products to maintain moisture and promote healing.
Gliserol is utilized in suppositories and capsules for its lubricating and excipient roles.
Gliserol is added to food and beverages as a sweetener, preservative, and texturizer.
Gliserol is used in bakery products to maintain softness and extend shelf life.
Gliserol is employed in confectionery, dairy, and beverage applications for its stabilizing and moisture-retention abilities.
Gliserol is found in e-liquids for electronic cigarettes as a vaporizing agent.
Gliserol is used in industrial applications such as antifreeze, lubricants, and plasticizers.
Gliserol is applied in printing inks, paints, and coatings to improve viscosity and prevent drying.
Gliserol is included in agricultural formulations like fertilizers and pesticides as a carrier and stabilizer.
Gliserol is used in animal feed to enhance palatability and energy value.
Gliserol is employed in personal hygiene products like hand sanitizers and soaps for moisturization.
Glycerol is widely used in the cosmetic and personal care industry as a humectant in creams, lotions, and serums, where it helps to retain moisture in the skin and keep it hydrated.
Glycerol is employed in the formulation of toothpaste, where it helps to maintain the consistency and texture of the paste, ensuring smooth application and preventing the paste from drying out.
Glycerol is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent in oral medications, syrups, and elixirs, improving the solubility of active ingredients and aiding in the delivery of the medicine.
Glycerol is applied in the food industry as a sweetener and humectant, helping to retain moisture in baked goods, candies, and processed foods, preventing them from becoming dry.
Glycerol is used in the production of anti-caking agents for powdered food products, ensuring that they remain free-flowing and do not clump together.
Glycerol is employed in the formulation of personal care products such as deodorants, where it helps to condition and protect the skin, providing a smooth texture and preventing dryness.
Glycerol is used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical creams and ointments, where it acts as a base and helps to maintain the stability and spreadability of the product.
Glycerol is used in the production of hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, where it helps to condition the hair, providing softness and shine.
Glycerol is used in the formulation of medical lubricants, where it helps to provide a smooth, lubricating surface for medical devices and instruments.
Glycerol is employed in the manufacture of biodiesel, where it is a byproduct of the transesterification process and can be used in various industrial applications.
Glycerol is used in the preparation of hand sanitizers, where it helps to moisturize the skin and prevent it from drying out while maintaining the product's effectiveness.
Glycerol is used in the formulation of wound care products, such as ointments and bandages, where it helps to maintain moisture and promote healing.
Glycerol is applied in the preparation of injectable medications, where it helps to stabilize the solution and improve the solubility of the active ingredients.
Glycerol is used in the production of antifreeze solutions, where it helps to lower the freezing point of water and prevent the formation of ice in automotive and industrial applications.
Glycerol is employed in the production of glycerin-based soaps and other cleansing products, where it helps to moisturize the skin while ensuring the soap lathers effectively.
Glycerol is used in the formulation of emulsions in both food and cosmetic products, where it helps to stabilize the mixture of oil and water phases.
Glycerol is used in the manufacturing of textiles and fabrics, where it acts as a plasticizer and softener, improving the texture and flexibility of synthetic fibers.
Glycerol is used in the preparation of electronic cigarette liquids, where it helps to create vapor and improve the viscosity of the liquid.
Glycerol is employed in the formulation of dietary supplements, particularly in syrup form, where it helps improve palatability and ensures consistency in the product.
Glycerol is used in the formulation of pet care products, such as pet shampoos and conditioners, where it helps to moisturize and condition the pet’s fur, leaving it soft and shiny.
Glycerol is used in the manufacturing of candles, where it helps to stabilize the wax and improve the texture and smoothness of the candle surface.
Glycerol is applied in the formulation of lubricants for industrial machinery, where it helps reduce friction and wear, improving the overall performance and longevity of machinery.
Glycerol is used in the preparation of ice cream and other frozen desserts, where it helps to improve texture and prevent ice crystals from forming, resulting in a smoother product.
Glycerol is employed in the preparation of electronic components and circuits, where it acts as a cooling agent and protects sensitive parts from heat damage.
Glycerol is used in the formulation of cosmetics for sensitive skin, where it helps to soothe and hydrate the skin while maintaining the integrity of the product’s texture and performance.
DESCRIPTION
Gliserol is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid with a sweet taste and high hygroscopicity.
It is a triol compound containing three hydroxyl groups, which contribute to its solubility in water and its excellent moisture-binding capacity.
Gliserol is derived from natural sources such as vegetable oils or synthesized chemically for industrial use.
Gliserol exhibits excellent compatibility with a wide range of ingredients, making it an ideal base or additive in various formulations.
It improves product spreadability, texture, and sensory feel, especially in topical applications.
Gliserol acts as a solvent, stabilizer, and plasticizer in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
Gliserol helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), supporting skin hydration and softness.
It facilitates the uniform distribution of active ingredients and enhances the efficacy of topical treatments.
Gliserol is widely accepted in clean-label and natural product formulations due to its renewable origin and safety profile.
Gliserol has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it useful in certain preservative systems.
It is thermally stable and maintains its function across a wide pH range.
Gliserol plays a crucial role in improving product shelf life by maintaining moisture balance and preventing crystallization.
Glycerol, also known as glycerin, is a clear, odorless, and colorless liquid that is widely used in various industries, particularly in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and chemical sectors, due to its moisturizing, stabilizing, and solvent properties.
Glycerol is a trihydroxy alcohol, containing three hydroxyl groups, making it highly hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, which is why it is commonly used in moisturizers and skin care products.
Glycerol is a highly versatile compound, often used as a humectant in personal care and cosmetic products to help keep skin hydrated, soft, and smooth.
Glycerol is non-toxic, biodegradable, and generally considered safe for use in a wide range of applications, from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Glycerol is produced through the hydrolysis of fats and oils, either as a byproduct of soap-making or from vegetable or animal sources, making it available in both natural and synthetic forms.
Glycerol is soluble in water and alcohol but insoluble in fats and oils, which makes it a versatile ingredient in emulsions, solutions, and mixtures.
Glycerol is used to stabilize and preserve food and pharmaceutical formulations by maintaining moisture and preventing drying or crystallization of the product over time.
Glycerol is used in various medical applications due to its ability to enhance the delivery and absorption of active ingredients, such as in topical ointments, oral solutions, and intravenous formulations.
Glycerol has a thick, syrup-like consistency, which makes it useful in formulations that require a viscous, smooth texture and helps with the smooth application of products like lotions and balms.
Glycerol is highly valued for its ability to prevent dehydration of the skin, hair, and mucous membranes, making it an essential ingredient in a wide range of personal care and pharmaceutical products.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C₃H₈O₃
Molecular Weight: 92.09 g/mol
Common Name: Gliserol / Glycerin
Appearance: Clear, colorless, viscous liquid
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Sweet
Solubility: Miscible with water and alcohol; insoluble in oils
Density: Approx. 1.26 g/cm³
Boiling Point: Approx. 290°C
Melting Point: Approx. 18°C
pH: Neutral (5.5–7.5 in solution)
Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; avoid strong oxidizing agents
Chemical Stability: Stable across wide temperature and pH ranges
Storage Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place between 15–30°C
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
If Gliserol vapors are inhaled, move the person to fresh air immediately.
Seek medical attention if discomfort persists.
Gliserol vapors are typically minimal and non-irritating under standard conditions.
Skin Contact:
Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
Gliserol is generally non-irritating, but consult medical attention if redness or irritation occurs.
Eye Contact:
Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids.
Seek medical assistance if irritation or discomfort persists.
Ingestion:
Gliserol is considered non-toxic but ingesting large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Rinse mouth with water and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically. No specific antidote is necessary. Provide supportive care as needed.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use standard personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles when handling Gliserol in bulk.
Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure.
Use in well-ventilated areas to prevent buildup of vapors in closed environments.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain spills with absorbent material (e.g., sand, vermiculite).
Clean area with water and dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations.
Storage:
Store Gliserol in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Protect from heat, light, and moisture contamination.
Keep away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers.
Handling Cautions:
Avoid excessive heating or freezing.
Ensure proper labeling and secure storage to prevent accidental misuse.
Use containers that are compatible with polyols to maintain product integrity.