Glycerine, also known as glycerol, is a naturally derived polyol compound used as a key ingredient and functional additive across the food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial sectors. It is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting, nontoxic viscous liquid prized for its humectant, solvent, and lubricating properties.
Glycerine (C₃H₈O₃) is a simple polyol compound characterized by three hydroxyl groups, which account for its high solubility in water, hygroscopic nature, and broad compatibility across formulation systems. It is the backbone of all triglyceride lipids and plays a foundational role in both biological and industrial chemistry.
Glycerine is primarily produced as a byproduct of saponification during soap manufacturing, and as a byproduct of biodiesel production through transesterification of triglycerides with alcohols such as ethanol. Crude glycerine from these processes is dark and syrup-like in consistency and is typically refined to varying purity grades for commercial use, including USP/food-grade glycerine for pharmaceutical and food applications.
In addition to its well-established use as a humectant and solvent, pure glycerine has been found to support cell maturation and suppress inflammation, further expanding its relevance in pharmaceutical and topical skin care applications. The Chemical Company supplies glycerine to manufacturers and formulators requiring consistent quality, flexible packaging, and dependable supply across a wide range of industries.
Glycerine is used across a broad range of industries and formulation types, including:
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Glycerine (Glycerol) |
| CAS Number | 56-81-5 |
| Molecular Formula. | C₃H₈O₃ |
| Appearance | Colorless, viscous liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Solubility | Miscible with water and alcohol; insoluble in oils |
| Boiling Point | 290°C |
| Flash Point | 160°C |
| Toxicity | Nontoxic |
The Chemical Company supplies Glycerine through a reliable and flexible distribution network designed to meet the needs of manufacturers and formulators across multiple industries:
Our distribution model is built to reduce supply risk, improve lead times, and support evolving production demands. Contact us to learn more about our chemical supply and distribution solutions.
Glycerine is used across a wide range of applications including as a humectant and solvent in food and beverage products, as an ingredient in pharmaceutical formulations such as cough syrups and expectorants, and as a key component in personal care products including soaps, skin care, toothpaste, and hair care. It is also used industrially as a chemical intermediate and in antifreeze and lubricant formulations.
The CAS number for Glycerine (Glycerol) is 56-81-5.
Glycerine and glycerol refer to the same compound — propane-1,2,3-triol (C₃H₈O₃). Glycerol is the chemical name used in technical and scientific contexts, while glycerine is the more common commercial name used in food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.
Glycerine is primarily produced as a byproduct of soap manufacturing through saponification of fats and oils, and as a byproduct of biodiesel production through transesterification. Crude glycerine from these processes is refined to various purity levels including USP and food-grade for use in pharmaceutical and food applications.
Glycerine is available in multiple grades including USP/food-grade for pharmaceutical and food applications, cosmetic grade for personal care formulations, and technical or industrial grade for manufacturing and chemical processing uses. The Chemical Company can help identify the right grade for your application.
Glycerine is used across food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics, industrial manufacturing, biofuels and oleochemicals, and chemical processing industries.
Yes. Glycerine is nontoxic and is widely recognized as safe for use in food, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications when supplied at the appropriate purity grade. USP and food-grade glycerine meet the standards required for these regulated applications.
The Chemical Company supplies Glycerine in bulk liquid, IBC totes, and drums. USP, food-grade, and industrial grades are available. Contact us at (401) 423-3100 or submit a quote request to discuss volume and packaging options for your specific needs.
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