About Glycerine / Glycol

Glycerine, also known as glycerol or glycerin, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₃H₈O₃. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid with a sweet taste and is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. Glycerine is naturally produced as a byproduct of soap manufacturing through the saponification of fats and oils, and can also be synthesized petrochemically from propylene. It is completely miscible with water and many organic solvents, making it highly versatile in formulation applications.

Glycerine’s unique properties including its humectant characteristics, solvent capabilities, and lubricating qualities have established it as an essential ingredient across numerous industries. Its safety profile, non-toxic nature, and skin-friendly attributes make it particularly valuable in products for human consumption and topical application. Major sectors utilizing glycerine include food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics, tobacco, chemicals, and various industrial applications where its moisturizing and preservative properties are beneficial.

Glycerine Uses

Food and Beverage Applications

Glycerine is widely used in the food industry as a humectant, solvent, sweetener, and preservative. It helps maintain moisture in baked goods, confectionery, and fondants, extending shelf life and preserving texture. In beverages, glycerine serves as a carrier for flavors and colors, and provides sweetness with approximately 60% of the sweetness of sucrose. It is also used in low-fat food products to provide mouthfeel and texture, and as a solvent for food colors and flavoring agents. Glycerine’s designation as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by food regulatory authorities worldwide supports its extensive use in food formulations.

Pharmaceutical Applications

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, glycerine serves multiple critical functions including use as a solvent, emollient, lubricant, and sweetening agent in various medicinal preparations. It is a key ingredient in cough syrups, elixirs, and tonics where it improves palatability and acts as a preservative. Glycerine is used in suppositories as a base material and laxative, in ear drops as a solvent and emollient, and in injectable medications as a carrier. Its ability to draw moisture makes it valuable in treating skin conditions, and it is commonly used in topical pharmaceutical formulations for its soothing and protective properties.

Personal Care and Cosmetics

Glycerine is one of the most widely used ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products due to its excellent moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties. It is a primary ingredient in skin creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos, and hair care products where it helps retain moisture and improve product texture. In toothpaste formulations, glycerine provides moisture, prevents hardening, and contributes to a smooth consistency. It is also used in makeup products, deodorants, and shaving preparations. Glycerine’s ability to form a protective barrier on the skin while allowing it to breathe makes it particularly valuable in hydrating and anti-aging skincare formulations.

Tobacco Industry

The tobacco industry utilizes glycerine as a humectant and flavoring carrier in cigarette and other tobacco products. It helps maintain the moisture content of tobacco, preventing it from drying out and ensuring consistent burning characteristics. Glycerine also contributes to smoke quality and volume, and serves as a carrier for flavoring agents. Its use in tobacco processing helps maintain product quality during storage and distribution, ensuring a consistent consumer experience.

Industrial and Chemical Applications

Glycerine finds extensive use in various industrial applications including the production of alkyd resins for paints and coatings, where it provides durability and gloss. It is used in the manufacture of polyether polyols for flexible polyurethane foams found in furniture, bedding, and automotive applications. In the textile industry, glycerine serves as a lubricant and softening agent for yarns and fabrics. It is also employed in antifreeze formulations, as a component in printing inks, in explosives manufacturing for the production of nitroglycerin, and as a plasticizer in various polymer applications. The chemical industry utilizes glycerine as a feedstock for producing numerous derivatives including epichlorohydrin, propylene glycol, and various esters.

Glycerine Supplier Australia, USA & More!

Redox are trusted, authorised suppliers of Glycerine. With distribution centres worldwide, we can supply to Australia, USA, UK, NZ, Europe, Asia and more. Get in touch with our expert team, who can help you order the right product, form and amount for your needs.