Glycerol, also known as glycerin, is an important polyol. It appears as a colorless, transparent viscous liquid, odorless, and strongly hygroscopic. It is stable at room temperature and miscible with water and ethanol in any proportion. The three hydroxyl groups in its molecule make it an excellent humectant, solvent, and viscosity modifier. Based on these properties, glycerol is widely used in cosmetics, food, oral care, and pharmaceuticals. Industrially, it is also a key raw material for synthetic resins, polyurethanes, and nitroglycerin.

Chemical Properties

Safety Information

Product Usage

Due to its unique humectant, solubility, and stability properties, glycerol is widely used in many fields. In cosmetics and personal care products, glycerol is a classic humectant and skin conditioning agent, commonly found in face creams, lotions, toothpaste, and shampoos. In the food industry, it serves as a moisture-retaining agent and sweetener, used in candies, baked goods, and beverages. In the pharmaceutical field, glycerol is used to prepare suppositories, cough syrups, and topical formulations. Industrially, glycerol is an important raw material for synthetic resins, polyurethanes, nitroglycerin (explosives), and tobacco humectants. Additionally, it is used as an antifreeze agent, lubricant, and coating additive.