Glycerin, also known as glycerine or glycerol, is historically known as a byproduct of the soap manufacturing process in which heat, steam and pressure split glycerin from oil, according to the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). Today, it can be produced synthetically from propylene and by hydrogenolysis of carbohydrates. Glycerin is versatile and is used in more than 1000 different products because it is non-toxic and is safe to use in foods, as it is easily digested, as stated by SDAScience.org.
Glue and Adhesives
Glycerin has strong hydrogen-bonding properties and acts as a plasticizer when mixed with glues to make it flexible and prevents the glue from completely drying out. These properties make glycerin a popular additive for labels, envelope flaps, book binding, and sealing food and drink cartons, according to SDAScience.org.
Extending & Preserving Life of Plants
Glycerin is used to extend the life of cut plants by immersing freshly cut plants, flowers, tree branches and leaves into a glycerin and water solution. The plants or leaves are kept in the glycerin solution for 2 weeks, after which they do not require water. SDAScience.org states that the glycerin gives the plants a waxy-like appearance and keeps them from drying and crumbling.
Beverage Preparation
Glycerin is used as an ingredient in wine and beers, and is used in the preparation of sodas, tea and coffee extracts. According to SDAScient.org, the alcohol-glycerin ratio is used to determine the adulteration in wine, and because of its low freezing point, glycerin is used to manufacture sparkling wines and champagnes.
Beauty Products
Skin lotions, shaving creams and soaps, deodorants, facial clays and toothpastes are grooming or beauty products that use glycerin. It a useful ingredient because glycerin holds moisture and helps a product hold its form, and it is lubricating and provides smoothness to many products, according to SDAScience.org. It allows for smooth application to skin and acts a preservative. Glycerin is also used in hair products like shampoo and conditioner to provide softness and luster to hair.
Sweetener
Glycerin is used as a sweetener in the food industry, according to JourneyToForever.org. Glycerin contains no sugar, and it is used by people who cannot consume sugar. It is also frequently used as a preservative in the food industry.
Supplement
According to JourneyToForever.org, glycerin is used as a health supplement because it is useful in body temperature regulation by lowering core body temperature in heat, enhancing exercise performance in hot conditions, and helping to delay dehydration by increasing blood volume levels.
Other Uses
Glycerin is also used in the production of electrical appliances, explosives, glass and ceramic production, treatment and tanning of leather products, the production and finishing of metal products, paints, photography, and in printing and lithography.
Member Comments