| Glycerin | General Topic Information | Glycerin is a compound made from natural products such as vegetable oil and artificial products such as propylene alcohol. This alcohol-based element, also known as glycerol, can be found in many skin care products. Glycerin, a humectant, provides moistur...view more Glycerin is a compound made from natural products such as vegetable oil and artificial products such as propylene alcohol. This alcohol-based element, also known as glycerol, can be found in many skin care products. Glycerin, a humectant, provides moisturizing and healing qualities to the skin because it attracts water. Glycerin has many uses and is important to multiple industries. Glycerin is used as a food additive, a sweetener, a solvent, and an emollient. It can also be used as a demulcent agent, meaning it can relieve the inflammation of a membrane or a body tissue. The wide range of products glycerin is used in includes anti-freeze, resins, cellophane, ester gums, explosives, soap, perfume, cosmetic products, and toothpaste. Other applications of glycerin are to maintain the pliability of textiles, protect print laid on cotton, and act as an ice preventive on glass. Glycerin functions as a water attractant or humectant. When applied to the skin, it captures moisture that may escape if the glycerin were absent. view less |
