Glycerol

Glycerol is an alternative name for the widely-used substance known as Glycerin or Glycerine. It is a clear, colourless, odourless, thick liquid and is sweet-tasting. Glycerol presents no specific hazards to the user but as when handling any chemical substance, care should be taken when handling Glycerol. The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) provided by your supplier should be thoroughly read and understood before working with Glycerol.

Glycerol has a wide range of applications, many in the food and beverage industry where it is used as a thickener and a filler. For example, many liqueur manufacturers use Glycerol to thicken spirits during the manufacturing process. Glycerol is added to low-fat cake and biscuits as a filling material.

Glycerol is used as a sweetener as it contains about 27 calories per teaspoon, but does not raise blood sugar levels. Additionally, Glycerol does not food on the bacteria that cause plaque on teeth which can result in dental cavities. For this reason, Glycerol is helpful in treating periodontal disease.

Glycerol is used as an emulsifier in factory-prepared foodstuffs and is also used in Polyglycerol Esters from which margarine and shortening is made. Glycerol has a lower glycemic index than sugar and is sometimes recommended to those adhering to low carbohydrate diets. When used in foodstuffs, Glycerol has an E Number of 422.

In healthcare, Glycerol is used widely. It provides a lubricant and smoothness in personal hygiene products and in laxative suppositories. When Glycerol is applied to skin topically, it provides relief from the effects of burns, stings, insect bites, cuts, rashes, bedsores and skin conditions such as psoriasis. Additionally, Glycerol is used in the manufacture of hair products, shaving cream, mouthwash, toothpaste, and is found in most cough syrups and expectorants.

Glycerol can be used to make Glycerol soap which has the advantage of not drying out the skin, so is ideally suited to those with dry or sensitive skin conditions. Glycerol soap draws moisture up through the layers of skin and helps to prevent evaporation in skin tissue.

Glycerol is used in the manufacture of Nitroglycerin or GTN which, in turn, is used to produce explosive substances such as gelignite and dynamite.

Glycerol has hygroscopic properties in that it is readily soluble in water and absorbs water and moisture from the atmosphere. For this reason, Glycerol should be stored in a tightly closed container and kept in a cool, well-ventilated area.