Vegetable glycerin is used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It can help moisturize skin, relieve constipation, and improve hydration and athletic performance. Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a clear liquid typically made from soybean, coconut or palm oils

Vegetable glycerin is used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It can help moisturize skin, relieve constipation, and improve hydration and athletic performance.

Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a clear liquid typically made from soybean, coconut or palm oils.

It is odorless and has a mild, sweet taste with a syrup-like consistency.

Vegetable glycerin is particularly popular in the cosmetic industry but has several other uses as well. It may also provide health benefits, ranging from skin health to better hydration and a strengthened gut

What is vegetable glycerin?

Glycerin is a sugar alcohol derived from animal products, plants or petroleum.

Vegetable glycerin is the variant made from plant oils. It is said to have been accidentally discovered more than two centuries ago by heating a mixture of olive oil and lead monoxide.

But it only became economically and industrially significant in the late 1800s when it was first used to make dynamite.

Vegetable glycerin is made by heating triglyceride-rich vegetable fats — such as palm, soy and coconut oils — under pressure or together with a strong alkali, such as lye.

This causes the glycerin to split away from the fatty acids and mix together with water, forming an odorless, sweet-tasting, syrup-like liquid.

Potential benefits

Vegetable glycerin is touted as a product with numerous health benefits.

However, only a few benefits are supported by science — and the related studies tend to be few and small. Keep in mind that more studies are needed on its health benefits.

The following benefits have the most research behind them.

May moisturize skin

Vegetable glycerin is a popular skincare treatment because of its moisturizing power.

Research shows that applying glycerin to your skin may gradually improve its smoothness and suppleness. In fact, using creams containing glycerin may increase skin hydration in as few as 10 days (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).

In one study, a cream made from glycerin was more effective than those made from silicone oil or hyaluronic acid at hydrating skin and preventing loss of moisture (3).

In another study, adding glycerin to a warm water bath was more effective at improving skin moisture levels and protecting against skin irritation than a warm water bath alone (4).

May promote skin health

Vegetable glycerin may lead to better skin health by helping soothe skin irritation, protect against infection and promote wound healing.

Studies show that applying glycerin-containing products may protect your skin against irritants and microbes, as well as soothe inflamed or wounded skin (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

Moreover, vegetable glycerin may act as a barrier to safeguard your skin from the elements, including wind and cold (5Trusted Source).

Another study reports that vegetable glycerin may be more effective than a placebo at reducing sensations of smarting in people with eczema. However, it appears to have no effect on stinging, itching, drying or irritation (7Trusted Source).

May reduce constipation

Vegetable glycerin may provide some relief from constipation.

That’s because it can draw water into your gut. This has a laxative effect, which helps digested food move through your gut more smoothly.

For this reason, glycerin is often used as a suppository.

In one study, glycerin suppositories were significantly more effective at reducing constipation caused by pain-killing medication than other types of laxatives (8).

In another, a glycerin enema was 16.5% more effective at relieving constipation than a liquid soap enema (9).

May boost hydration and athletic performance

Glycerin may also boost hydration, which can improve your athletic performance.

Dehydration can greatly impair athletic performance, especially when sweat loss exceeds 2% of your body weight (10Trusted Source).

A good strategy to avoid dehydration is to drink enough liquids both before and during exercise. However, it can be impractical to drink during certain types of physical activity. In such a case, drinking plenty beforehand is key.

The problem with drinking large amounts in a short timespan is that a sizable portion of the fluid is generally lost through urine in the following hour.

However, in one meta-analysis, adding 1.1g/kg of body weight, or .5g/lb of body weight, to water drunk before exercise increased fluid retention by 50% compared to water alone. Glycerin may also lead to small improvements in athletic performance (11Trusted Source).

In another study, a glycerin drink was also more effective than water or a sports drink at improving hydration in athletes who lost significant amounts of water through sweating during exercise 

IN ESSENCE...

• Vegetable Glycerine, sometimes spelled Vegetable Glycerin, is a transparent, colorless, and unscented viscous liquid derived from the oils of plants such as Coconut, Palm, or Soy. It is also known as Vegetable Glycerol or simply Glycerol.
• Used topically, Vegetable Glycerine attracts and locks moisture into the skin, thereby softening, smoothing, and soothing the complexion. Its pH level closely matches that of the skin, which makes it gentle enough to be used by those with sensitive skin and in baby skincare.
• Vegetable Glycerine cleanses the skin without clogging pores, facilitates the skin’s absorption of other beneficial active ingredients in natural products, smooths the look of fine lines and miniscule cracks on the skin, facilitates the regeneration of new skin, evens out the skin tone to lighten darker areas, and diminishes the appearance of unwanted spots and marks.
• Vegetable Glycerine protects the skin and scalp from destructive bacteria, regulates oil production, soothes itching and dryness, eliminates congestion in the pores, nourishes unhealthy and dull skin and hair, maintains elasticity of the skin and strands, and contributes sun protective properties to guard against the harmful effects of overexposure to UV radiation.
• Used medicinally, Vegetable Glycerine cools, soothes, and facilitates the healing of skin discomforts and conditions, such as scratches, cuts, blemishes, burns, itching, hives, rashes, sores, eczema, psoriasis, and other ailments that are characterized by dryness, itchiness, or inflammation. It creates a protective barrier on the skin to guard against environmental contaminants and pollutants.

VEGETABLE GLYCERINE BENEFITS

Used topically, Vegetable Glycerine’s natural emollience draws moisture into the skin and helps to retain the moisture, thereby softening, smoothing, and soothing the complexion. This hydrating property is known to enhance the appearance and texture of unhealthy skin, which may be characterized by dryness, flaking, and wrinkles caused by harsh environmental stressors as well as destructive bacteria.

Vegetable Glycerine easily penetrates and gets absorbed into the skin without clogging pores while also making it easier for the skin to absorb other active, skin health-enhancing ingredients in products. By filling fine lines and miniscule cracks on the skin and by facilitating the regeneration of new skin, Vegetable Glycerine smooths out the complexion for a rejuvenated appearance. Furthermore, it evens out the skin tone to lighten darker areas, thereby diminishing the appearance of unwanted spots and marks.

With cleansing properties that do not strip the skin or hair of their natural oils, Vegetable Glycerine works to keep the skin and scalp free of acne-causing bacteria. It regulates oil production, soothes itching and dryness, eliminates congestion in the pores, nourishes and repairs damage, contributes shine to dullness, maintains elasticity, and contributes sun protective properties to guard against the harmful effects of overexposure to UV radiation. By maintaining water balance, Vegetable Glycerine’s humectant quality reduces the chance of moisture loss caused by evaporation, thus keeping the hair and skin hydrated.

Used medicinally, Vegetable Glycerine’s cooling quality makes it a soothing salve for discomforts and conditions of the skin, such as cuts, burns, itching, hives, rashes, sores, eczema, psoriasis, and other ailments that are characterized by dryness, itchiness, or inflammation. Due to its ability to encourage normal skin cell maturation, Vegetable Glycerine is known to facilitate healing when applied to acne, scratches, blemishes, and wounds. It locks in moisture, creates a protective barrier on the skin against environmental contaminants and pollutants, and helps suppress the urge to scratch any irritation. Additionally, the anti-bacterial properties of Vegetable Glycerine combined with its mildness means that it works to soothe and prevent future acne breakouts without introducing the skin to harsh synthetic ingredients that could potentially aggravate the affected areas.

As illustrated, Vegetable Glycerine is reputed to have many therapeutic properties. The following highlights its many benefits and the kinds of activity it is believed to show:

• COSMETIC: Moisturizing, Tonic, Cleansing,Protective, Humectant, Soothing, Strengthening, Reparative
• MEDICINAL: Tonic, Wound-Healing,Immune-Boosting,Protective, Aseptic, Anti-Bacterial, Hypoallergenic, Soothing

VEGETABLE GLYCERINE USES

Used in cosmetic and topical applications, Vegetable Glycerine makes an excellent moisturizer with nourishing properties. For a smooth body lotion with a fluffy consistency, begin by placing 142g (5 oz.) Shea Butter in a heat-safe container and then placing the container into a double boiler. Warm up the Shea Butter on low heat until it melts. To this, add 2 Tbsp. Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil and 1 Tbsp. Jojoba Carrier Oil and stir the ingredients together to ensure thorough mixing. Next, place the entire container into the freezer for 10 minutes, during which time a crust should form on top of the blend. After removing the container, whip the blend with an electric beater while slowly drizzling in 1 Tbsp. Vegetable Glycerine. Continue beating the blend until it appears opaque and becomes stiffer in consistency. Incorporate a total of 1 tsp. Cornstarch to the blend, adding it in ¼ tsp at a time and continuing to whip the Shea Butter after each addition. Next, add ¼ tsp Vitamin E Liquid and 4-6 drops of a preferred essential oil. Suggestions include Cedarwood, Lavender, Frankincense, and Ylang Ylang for enhanced soothing, balancing, clarifying, lifting, tightening, and restorative action. With a spoon, transfer the whipped Shea Butter lotion into a clean glass jar with an airtight cap. This moisturizer can be used immediately and retains its optimal skin health benefits before 4-6 months.

For a facial cleanser that not only purifies, hydrates, and softens the skin but that also exudes a pleasant scent, begin by combining 4 Tbsp. Raw Honey, 2 Tbsp. Vegetable Glycerine, ½ cup freshly brewed Green Tea, and a total of 10 drops of the following essential oils: Geranium, Lemon, and Patchouli. Using a blender, thoroughly mix all the ingredients, then store the resultant face wash in a darkly-colored pump dispenser bottle. For a cooling and balancing facial toner, simply combine¼ cup of Glycerine with ¼ cup Witch Hazel and ½ cup Rose Floral Water.

For a non-comedogenic serum that is reputed to soothe and reduce the appearance of acne breakouts overnight, combine ½ tsp Vegetable Glycerine, ½ tsp Orange Blossom Water, and 4 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil and apply this serum to affected areas of the face. Leave it on overnight and, in the morning, rinse it off.

To address the problem of blackheads, mix the following ingredients in a bowl and stir them into a paste: 4 Tbsp. Almond Powder, 1 Tbsp. Fullers Earth Clay, and 2 tsp Vegetable Glycerine. Once the paste consistency has been achieved, spread the mixture over affected areas of skin and, after it air dries, rinse it off with cold water.

To achieve softer and more hydrated skin with a facial massage blend, simply combine 1 Tbsp. Vegetable Glycerine with 10 Tbsp. of water. Massage this hydrating, skin tone-balancing serum into the face nightly before going to sleep and leave it on overnight. In the morning, rinse it off with cold water.

For an exfoliating and moisturizing body scrub that is known to remove dead cells in order to reveal newer skin, begin by combining equal parts of Vegetable Glycerine and sugar in a cup. To this, add 3 drops of Aloe Vera Gel Juice. In the shower, apply this blend to the skin like a regular body scrub and massage it into a lather for a few minutes before washing it off. This simple and natural exfoliant is ideal for promoting a healthier and more radiant complexion.

For a moisturizing aftershave lotion that also soothes cuts and burns caused by shaving, first combine ½ cup Witch Hazel Distillate and 1 Tbsp. dried Calendula flowers and allow this infusion to steep for 2 weeks. When the blend is ready, add 4 drops each of Sandalwood and Lavender essential oils as well as ¼ cup Rose Floral Water. In ½ cup of the resultant solution, add ¼ cup of Vegetable Glycerine. Apply this moisturizer like a customary after-shave lotion.

For a natural and nourishing Glycerine-based shampoo that is known to promote healthier and stronger strands, begin by pouring ¼ cup of Vegetable Glycerine and ½ cup of thick Coconut Milk into a clean bottle with the help of a funnel. To this, add a total of 12 drops of essential oils that are known to promote hair growth, such as Cedarwood, Rosemary, Vetiver, and Geranium. Cap the bottle and shake it vigorously to ensure the thorough mixing of all ingredients. To apply this shampoo in the shower, massage it into the scalp and throughout the hair like a regular shampoo and leave it in for 5 minutes before rinsing it out with cold water.

For a simple conditioning hair mask that is known to promote the hair’s luster, first, combine ¼ cup Vegetable Glycerine and ¼ cup of Aloe Vera Gel Juice in a small bowl and whisk them together. Next, apply this mask to hair that has already been washed and shampooed. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water.

For a protective and reparative leave-in hair conditioner that locks in moisture, begin by adding the following ingredients in a blender: 1 cup Coconut Carrier Oil, 1/8 cupof Aloe Vera Gel Juice, 2 Tbsp. Vegetable Glycerine, 2 Tbsp. Sunflower Seed Carrier Oil, 1 tsp of Castor Carrier Oil, 8 drops Lavender Essential Oil, and 4 drops Sage Essential Oil. To use this leave-in conditioner blend, apply it to wet hair and style as usual. When not in use, it can be stored in a dark container.

Used in medicinal applications, Vegetable Glycerine cleanses, calms, facilitates the healing and fading of scars and abrasions, and promotes the skin’s suppleness and radiance. To soothe the itchiness and burning sensation characteristic of minor scalds, such as those caused by radiation, electricity, or heat, simply apply a few drops of Vegetable Glycerine directly to the affected areas of skin and wash it off after 20 minutes. This can be repeated several times throughout the day to alleviate discomfort.

For a warming analgesic liniment that is reputed to decrease inflammation, improve circulation, and soften rough or dry skin, whisk and thoroughly combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl: ½ cup Vegetable Glycerine, 2 tsp Powdered Ginger, 2 drops Clove Bud Essential Oil. Transfer the mixture to an air-tight jar. To use this salve, first shake the jar well to stir any Ginger Powder that might have settled at the bottom, then rub the ointment into the preferred areas of skin, avoiding any sensitive parts, such as the eyes.

For a cooling balm that soothes the discomforts of insect bites, rashes, and hives, among other skin complaints, begin by thoroughly combining the following ingredients in a small clean container: 2 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Gel Juice, 2 tsp Vegetable Glycerine, and 4 drop Eucalyptus Essential Oil. To use this calming gel for relief, apply it directly to the affected areas of skin.

Used in massage blends, Vegetable Glycerine contributes a warming quality when applied to the skin. For an aphrodisiac blend that is known to stimulate sensuality, begin by combining 60 ml (2 oz.) Vegetable Glycerine and 60 ml (2 oz.) Almond Carrier Oil in a 120 ml (4 oz.) amber glass bottle. Next, add 30 drops German Chamomile Essential Oil, 2 drops Cinnamon Essential Oil, and 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil. Cap the bottle and vigorously shake it to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Apply this like a usual massage blend.

Glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol compound. Sources of glycerin can include animal and plant fats. Manufacturers can also synthetically produce glycerol. For vegetable glycerin, common sources include triglyceride-rich vegetable fats, such as soy, coconut, and palm oils.

Most vegetable glycerin comes as a byproduct of industrial chemical reactions. For example, vegetable oils can either undergo a process known as saponificationTrusted Source or transesterification to produce vegetable glycerin. These are common steps in the soap and biodiesel manufacturing processes. They involve heating the oils under pressure or together with either an alkaline or alcohol solution.

This process causes glycerin to split away from the fatty acids. Manufacturers can then extract the oderless, sweet tasting, syrup-like liquid known as glycerin.

Uses

Glycerin has many uses in various industries. For example, glycerin is broadly used in a range of cosmetic products, such as skin care, hair care, and oral hygiene products. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program stated that glycerin was the third most commonly used ingredient in cosmetic products.

People can also use glycerin in food productsTrusted Source. For example, glycerin can act as a preservative and sweetener in food and drinks. Additionally, manufacturers may also add glycerin as a humectant, meaning to help food retain moistureTrusted Source.

In the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturers use glycerin as a lubricant and humectant. They typically include glycerin in cough syrups, ointments, expectorants, anesthetics, and lozenges. Manufacturers may also include it in capsules for drugs

Potential benefits

While more research is necessary, the potential health benefits of vegetable glycerin may include:

Skin health

As glycerin is a humectant, it can help skin retain moisture. Glycerin is able to diffuse into a layer of the skin known as the stratum corneumTrusted Source, making it an effective moisturizer. For this reason, many manufacturers add glycerin to topical products.

A 2017 studyTrusted Source notes that glycerin is effective for alleviating skin dryness, while another 2017 studyTrusted Source suggests that it can also help to improve the barrier function of the skin. Retaining moisture and maintaining skin barrier function are importantTrusted Source for sustaining skin health.

While more research is necessary, a 2015 mouse studyTrusted Source also suggests that glycerin may possess anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Relieving constipation

As glycerin has a laxative effect, people can use it to relieve constipation. When a person administers glycerin rectally, it helps to lubricate the rectum and soften stools. It draws water towards the hardened stool and helps the bowel muscles to contract more effectively.

Athletic performance

Although research is scarce, some evidence suggests that vegetable glycerin may have some benefits on athletic performance.

Fluid loss can have a detrimental impact on athletic performance, which is why maintaining hydration is important. People typically lose fluids through sweat or urination. When a person consumes glycerin, it can help enhance fluid retention and decrease the volume of urine.

One older studyTrusted Source notes that consuming glycerin may help to improve athletic performance, but may cause an increase in body weight.

Other researchTrusted Source notes that consuming creatine and glycerin may help endurance runners reduce strain on their cardiovascular system. However, this study also notes that it may increase body weight due to fluid retention. Another older, small study of nine athletes suggests that glycerin is more effective for rehydration than water, a sports drink, or saline. It found the best effects with a combination of IV fluids and oral glycerol. However, the study found that it did not significantly improve exercise performance.