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.

This article examines vegetable glycerin’s uses, benefits and side effects.

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.

Common uses

Vegetable glycerin is widely used in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

For instance, it is often added to foods to help oil and water-based ingredients mix, sweetening or moistening the final product.

It can be also used to prevent ice crystals from forming in frozen foods, such as low-fat frozen yogurt, ice cream and other desserts.

Glycerin is a common ingredient in pharmaceutical drugs, including heart medication, suppositories, cough remedies and anesthetics.

Additionally, you can find vegetable glycerin in toothpaste, as it helps prevent the toothpaste from drying out or hardening in the tube.

What’s more, it’s commonly added to soaps, candles, lotions, deodorants and makeup.

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.

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.

is a simple all-natural that can be used in a variety of personal care products to help add moisturizing, cleansing, and softening properties to formulas. High-quality glycerin is derived from natural fats found in vegetable oils and acts as an effective emollient.

This clear viscous liquid works perfectly in quite a variety of different soaps, lotions, body washes, and other kinds of skin and hair care products due to its soothing feel and how easy it is to utilize. This substance is truly remarkable in how versatile it is, which is why it has become such a popular and relied-upon ingredient in so many different kinds of products.

If you are interested in making your own personal care products and are short on ideas, this guide may be able to help you put your glycerin to good use. This food-grade ingredient is kosher and gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it ideally suited for use in a truly impressive amount of different products.

1. Refreshing Body Wash

Who doesn’t love a good body wash? Not only are these easy to make, but they are also versatile personal care products that can be used for general cleansing or more specific skin benefits depending on the recipe.

Our featured body wash recipe contains glycerin and aloe vera gel, for potent moisturizing potential. A moisturizing body wash is a perfect complement to a greater skincare routine that utilizes a dedicated moisturizing lotion to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and soft.

One great point about vegetable glycerin is that you can actually add it straight to your lotions and creams for an added moisturizing effect. You don’t have to worry about this all-natural substance irritating your skin or anything like that.

2. Activated Charcoal Soap

Why activated charcoal? If you’re not aware of how great this natural substance is for skin, it’s certainly worth a look. Its natural antibacterial and exfoliating properties are becoming widely known, which is why you’re seeing more and more of this ingredient used in popular beauty products.

High-quality activated charcoal is effective for maintaining healthy, glowing skin, and you can easily add a bit of vegetable glycerin into the mix to give your soap an added moisturizing effect. We carry activated charcoal right here in our store as well, which means you can get all of the ingredients you need to make a deep cleansing face soap all in one place.

3. Homemade Dandruff Shampoo

Finding hair care products that have multiple active ingredients or benefits can be tricky if you are purchasing them at your local store, but it’s easy to get these kinds of effects when you make your own.

If you are interested in crafting your own effective and enriching dandruff shampoo, you need an impactful moisturizing agent and ingredients that will actually nourish and strengthen your hair follicles. Try crafting a recipe using vegetable glycerin, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil for starters. In a pinch, you could add a few drops of glycerin right into your store-bought shampoo for added moisturizing benefits.

4. Beautifying Vitamin C Face Serum

Vitamin C serums are super popular right now and for good reason. These products help promote youthful, glowing skin through antioxidant and cleansing properties. They are also relatively easy to make with ingredients you can find right here in our store at MakeYourOwn.Buzz.

With a bit of glycerin in your face serum recipe, you can add a softening and moisturizing element that will make the recipe that much more effective. In fact, a simple mixture of Vitamin C powder and glycerin is an effective face serum in its own right.

5. Natural Toothpaste

For something a little different, you could try making your own all-natural toothpaste using the fine ingredients in our online store. You might be wondering why you would want to make your own homemade toothpaste, and what part glycerin plays in the recipe.

The truth is that homemade toothpaste is rather easy to make, but you have to use very specific ingredients in order to get that “toothpaste” feel. That signature “paste” texture is usually crafted using a laundry list of ingredients - not all of them perfectly safe and beneficial. If you are interested in formulating a safe and gentle toothpaste with more natural ingredients, you can typically use baking soda and coconut oil as the foundation, with peppermint essential oil as the active ingredient. Glycerin is used to help give the formula a texture that is more like the mass-market pastes you might be used to.

Homemade Mint Toothpaste Using Vegetable Glycerin

4 TBSP Baking Soda

4 TBSP Coconut Oil

20 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

3 Tsp. of Vegetable Glycerin

This should produce a simple and reliable toothpaste that not only feels a lot like the store-bought kind but will leave your mouth feeling completely refreshed!

6. Lemon Facial Cleanser

A refreshing facial cleanser should be a part of everyone’s self-care arsenal. That being said, you can simply create the kind of cleanser you want in regards to its specific effects using a few simple ingredients that you can find in our store.

Lemon is a potent cleansing agent that has astringent and antioxidant properties, which help protect and tone the skin. Combined with the moisturizing properties of glycerin, and you have the foundation for an effective all-natural toner that can absolutely revitalize your skin.

When it comes to deciding what kinds of products to use on your face, you have to take extra care not to clog your pores or irritate skin that could be dry. It’s important to take advantage of natural, beneficial ingredients that are gentle and won’t cause any unwanted side effects for your skin. With the right homemade cleanser, you can actually scrub away dead skin, unclogging your pores and reducing redness.

7. Coconut Almond Body Wash

We’ve already mentioned coconut oil a few times in this list, and it’s no wonder: it’s an effective anti-inflammatory and moisturizer, and one of the actual sources of high-quality kosher glycerin. It’s easy to use coconut oil or butter as a base for other ingredients, such as almond oil, to create deeply moisturizing lotions and body washes.

Learning how to create your own moisturizing products can be extremely useful if you suffer from dry or irritated skin. This all-too-common condition can be caused by an array of factors, including our diet and the environment around us. Sometimes, it’s difficult to prevent dry skin, especially during the winter and in colder climates, and in such cases, it’s always better to be prepared. While you could rely on mass-market moisturizing lotions, many of these fail to properly nourish the skin like butters and essential oils can.

If you deal with dry skin or redness on a regular basis, you might want to add a few drops of glycerin to your moisturizing lotion or simply start making your own with the help of our high-quality all-natural ingredients. It’s easier than you think and well worth the effort because it will also save you quite a bit of money in the long run.

8. Foaming Bath Whip

For a fun and luxurious treat during bath time, try crafting your own foaming body whip. Many of these creamy, foamy concoctions use glycerin as a base, providing excellent moisturizing capabilities while also feeling great on your skin.

We have an incredible bath whip recipe that uses glycerin, which is easy to make and can be adapted with your favorite fragrances and colors for added fun and customization. The best part about a luscious bath whip is that it not only helps you to create your own spa-like experience, but it’s actually quite effective for revitalizing your skin.

9. Glycerin-Based Moisturizing Spray

At this point, you’re surely aware of vegetable glycerin’s potential as a natural hydrating substance, able to lock in moisture and prevent dryness in the skin. What better way to take advantage of these qualities than to create your own mist or spray?

The difference between a spray-based product and say, a cream or lotion, is that a spray is water-based. This means that you will only be adding a bit of essential oil and glycerin to a distilled water base to create a solution that can be misted onto the skin to produce a certain effect.

In this case, you will want to go with a complementary essential oil such as cedarwood, jojoba, or frankincense to name a few. You could also use coconut oil in this instance as well. Play around with different mists and see which ones suit your skin the best, but make sure that the oils are suitably diluted, otherwise the formula could cause irritation. Always do the necessary research to see how much a certain oil needs to be diluted before applying it to the skin!

10. Enriching Lotion For Dry Skin

Dry skin is a scourge that many people have to deal with, but with the right beneficial ingredients, you can reduce the signs and symptoms of this issue and actually help heal the skin completely.

Oftentimes, dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture present in the skin. This can be the result of the absence of natural oils from lack of collagen production, or outside elements robbing the moisture as well. Either way, certain natural ingredients can hydrate the skin and help the skin retain moisture, and glycerin is one ingredient that excels at doing this. You can simply add a few drops to your favorite lotion or apply it directly to your skin once in a while to reap its benefits.

You can also put together your own lotion as well using coconut oil or shea butter, glycerin, and your favorite essential oils. It’s not even that difficult and you can craft batches whenever you want, to help keep your skin properly hydrated and moisturized all year long.

11. Hair-Strengthening Shampoo

Glycerin also works well as an ingredient in shampoos and conditioners. The same properties that allow glycerin to help lock in moisture in your skin apply here as well - if you find that your hair is a little dry or brittle and your shampoo isn’t helping, you can add some of this natural substance to it in order to make it more effective.

Alternatively, you can craft your own hair-strengthening shampoo with a little creativity and elbow grease. Olive oil or avocado oil, distilled water, glycerin, and natural fragrances form the backbone of most homemade shampoos. If you want to craft one that will specifically help to strengthen your hair, definitely choose ingredients that provide Vitamin E.

12. Effective in Shaving Creams and Aftershave

Want to increase the value of your aftershave or shaving lotion? Place a few drops in your favorite product to create a warming, soothing sensation that will help protect your skin and keep it feeling soft. While many mass-market shaving creams and similar products already tend to have moisturizing qualities, the addition of a little glycerin will lend its benefits all the same.

These are just some of the examples of beneficial and nourishing self-care products you can create using our high-quality vegetable-based glycerin. It should be noted that our glycerin is the finest quality and not a byproduct of any other industry or source. It is a clear, food-grade product suitable for all kinds of uses, from body lotions to conditioners, gels, balms, and more. If you are thinking of making your own formulations that contain glycerin, you want to make sure you are using a suitable variety such as the kind you will find here in our store.

Need more information on which ingredients you require for a specific formula you have in mind, or curious about how you can order vegetable glycerin in bulk? Give us a call at 888-583-7738 and we would be happy to help address your needs directly. We carry hundreds of quality ingredients that you can use to create a wide variety of personal care products, and we would be glad to point you in the right direction so your recipes will turn out perfect every time!