Glycerine (Glycerol): Uses, Grades and Safety

Glycerine (also spelt glycerin, chemically glycerol) is a simple alcohol with three hydroxyl groups. In Indian homes it's known as glycerine (ग्लिसरीन) and is often mixed with rose water. It's mostly made as a by-product of soap making and biodiesel, from vegetable oils or animal fats.

• Formula: C3H8O3
• CAS number: 56-81-5
• Molar mass: about 92.1 g/mol
• Appearance: clear, colourless, odourless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste
• Density: about 1.26 g/mL, so it's heavier than water
• Melting / boiling point: about 17.8 °C / 290 °C
• Solubility: mixes with water and alcohol in any proportion

It is hygroscopic: it pulls water from the air. That's why it keeps skin and products moist.

Azlok lists three glycerine products:

Only the 100 g pack states its size in the name, so check the other product pages for pack weight. Compare today's price per kg.

• Personal care: a humectant in creams, lotions, face washes, shampoos, toothpaste and soaps.
• Soap making: melt-and-pour glycerine soap bases, and added to liquid soap for a softer feel.
• Home and craft: long-lasting bubble solution, keeping clay and dough soft, preserving leaves and flowers, and as a lubricant for rubber seals.
• Food: food grade glycerine (INS 422) is used as a humectant, sweetener and solvent for flavours, within FSSAI limits.
• Pharma and industry: syrups and other formulations, inks, resins, cellophane, and antifreeze and hydraulic fluid blends.

• Creams and lotions: formulators typically use glycerine at around 2–5% of the formula, sometimes up to about 10%. Higher amounts can feel sticky.
• Rose water mix: a common home mix is 1 part glycerine to 3–4 parts rose water, shaken before use. Make small batches and use within a couple of weeks, as this simple mix has no preservative.
• Liquid soap or hand wash: adding a small amount, around 1–3%, gives a softer feel after washing.
• Bubble solution: mix about 1 cup dishwashing liquid with 6 cups water and 1–2 tablespoons glycerine. Let it rest for a few hours for stronger bubbles.
• Drying cut leaves: stand stems in a mix of 1 part glycerine to 2 parts warm water for one to three weeks until the leaves turn supple.

Always patch test any skin mixture on the inner arm and wait 24 hours, especially if you have sensitive skin.

• Glycerine is low hazard in normal use, but spills are very slippery. Wipe them with plenty of water.
• Keep it out of eyes. Rinse with water if it gets in.
• Never mix glycerine with potassium permanganate (lal dawa) or other strong oxidisers. The combination can catch fire on its own.
• Only the food grade listing should go into food or drink, and then only within FSSAI limits.
• Close the cap tightly after use. Open glycerine absorbs water from the air and becomes thinner.
• Store in a cool place away from heat and flames. It's combustible at high temperatures.
• Keep it away from children.
• Small amounts can be diluted with water and washed down the drain.

Match the grade to the job. For bubbles, crafts and household uses, the 100 g utility pack is plenty. If you're making creams, soaps or hair care to sell, use the cosmetic refined glycerine and keep the supplier's specs on file. Finished cosmetics sold in India must meet CDSCO and BIS requirements. Use the food grade vegetable glycerine for anything that goes into food, and check your FSSAI licence if you sell it.

Soap makers and cosmetic units needing 25 kg or more can ask for a quote through bulk inquiry.