GLYCERIN

Glycerin (also called Glycerol), focusing on its properties and benefits across cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields:

🔬 Scientific Properties of Glycerin

  • Chemical formula: C₃H₈O₃
  • Molecular weight: 92.09 g/mol
  • Physical state: Colorless, odorless, viscous liquid
  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water and alcohol; hygroscopic (absorbs water from the environment)
  • Taste: Sweet
  • Stability: Stable, non-volatile, non-toxic at cosmetic concentrations
  • Origin: Can be derived from plant oils (vegetable glycerin), animal fats, or synthesized
  • Biological role: Intermediate in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism

🌿 Benefits and Functions in Skincare & Cosmetics

  1. Humectant – Strong ability to attract and retain moisture, keeping skin hydrated.
  2. Skin barrier support – Improves barrier function and protects against transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
  3. Emollient effect – Softens and smooths the skin surface.
  4. Improves skin elasticity – Enhances suppleness and reduces roughness.
  5. Soothing action – Calms irritation and supports sensitive or damaged skin.
  6. Enhances ingredient penetration – Helps other actives absorb more effectively.
  7. Safe for all skin types – Non-comedogenic, suitable even for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
  8. Mild preservative booster – Creates an environment less favorable to microbial growth when combined with other agents.

💊 Benefits in Pharmaceuticals & Medicine

  1. Osmotic agent – Used in laxatives and to reduce eye pressure (glaucoma treatment).
  2. Cough syrups – Soothes throat irritation due to its viscous, coating nature.
  3. Wound healing – Promotes moisture retention in dressings, accelerating tissue repair.
  4. Suppositories – Acts as a mild laxative by drawing water into the colon.
  5. Drug solvent & stabilizer – Improves solubility and stability of certain medications.

🍃 Other Applications

  • Food industry: Used as a sweetener, humectant, and preservative.
  • Hair care: Reduces frizz, maintains hydration, and adds shine.
  • Oral care: Moisturizes and improves mouthfeel in toothpastes and mouthwashes.
  • Industrial uses: In antifreeze, plastics, resins, and as a lubricant.

✅ Key Advantages

  • Non-toxic, biodegradable, and generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
  • Versatile: works in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial formulations.
  • Compatible with a wide range of ingredients.

👉 In skincare, glycerin is considered a gold standard humectant, widely used in serums, creams, and cleansers for hydration, barrier repair, and skin comfort.