Glycerine

Glycerine, also known as glycerol or glycerin, is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid with a sweet taste. It's a triol, meaning it contains three hydroxyl groups (-OH), making it highly water-soluble and hygroscopic (attracting and absorbing moisture from the air). It's derived from fats and oils through saponification or transesterification processes and is widely used in various industries due to its humectant, emollient, solvent, and lubricant properties. It's non-toxic and considered safe for use in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.

Glycerine meaning with examples

• In cosmetics, glycerine acts as a powerful humectant, drawing moisture to the skin, hydrating it, and reducing dryness. Its emollient properties soften and smooth the skin. Creams, lotions, and soaps often contain glycerine to enhance their moisturizing capabilities. The ingredient provides a silky texture, improving product application and contributing to overall skin health.
• Pharmaceutical companies utilize glycerine in various medicinal preparations. It functions as a solvent for drugs, a humectant in cough syrups to soothe throats, and a component in suppositories. Glycerine's biocompatibility and non-toxicity make it suitable for oral and topical medications, supporting drug delivery and efficacy.
• The food industry incorporates glycerine as a sweetener, a solvent for flavorings, and a humectant to retain moisture and texture in food products. It can be found in candies, baked goods, and soft drinks, acting as a carrier for flavors and preserving food freshness.
• In the manufacturing sector, glycerine is used to produce various products. It's a key ingredient in antifreeze formulations, in the making of nitroglycerin (an explosive), and as a lubricant. Its versatile properties and non-toxic nature make it useful in several industrial applications, from plastics to textiles.
• Glycerine is a component in homemade soaps. It attracts moisture and helps make a milder soap. It adds to the clarity and transparency of a soap bar when added during saponification, which creates a more appealing final product. Often it's mixed with essential oils to add scent and provide an extra level of moisturizing.