Types Of Glycerine
Glycerine, or glycerol, is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid that is sweet-tasting and non-toxic. It is soluble in water and hygroscopic (able to absorb water from the atmosphere). Hence, it is used to keep products moist. Glycerine is also a by-product of converting vegetable oils into biodiesel.
Glycerine comes in different forms; some of the commonly available types include:
- Pharmaceutical-grade glycerine: This glycerine is 99.7% pure and meets all the requirements for use in the pharmaceutical industry. It serves as an excipient, solvent, and humectant in many medicines.
- Food grade glycerine: This compound is also called E422. It is used in the food industry to maintain moisture in food, act as a thickening agent, and sweeten food without adding calories.
- Industrial grade glycerine: It is less refined, containing about 70% to 80% pure glycerol. This glycerine is typically used in the manufacturing sector for non-consumable products like antifreeze, soaps, and lubricants.
- Cosmetic grade glycerine: It is commonly used in lotions, creams, and other beauty products due to its ability to hydrate skin. This glycerine is often highly purified to ensure quality and consistency.
- Organic glycerine: This type of glycerine is derived from organic plants, seeds, and nuts. It is typically utilized in organic and natural products. This includes food, beauty, and wellness products.
Materials and Composition of Glycerine
Glycerine is a simple polyol compound. It can be synthesized chemically or extracted naturally during the fermentation of sugars and lipids. Below is an overview of the materials and composition of glycerine:
- Chemical synthesis: In chemical synthesis, glycerine is obtained through the epoxidation of propylene. This method involves treating propylene with ozone to form an oxide, which is then treated with a catalyst to form glycidol (an oxirane compound). Finally, glycol is produced by reacting glycidol with water, leading to the formation of 1,2-propanediol or glycerine.
- Naturally: In nature, glycerine is found in animal and plant fats and oils. During the process of hydrolysis or saponification of fats and oils, triglycerides (the esters of glycerol and fatty acids) are broken down to produce glycerine and fatty acids.
- Composition: Glycerine has the chemical formula C3H8O. It is composed of three carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and three oxygen atoms.
- Molecular structure: Glycerine is a three-carbon chain alcohol with three hydroxyl (–OH) groups attached to each carbon atom. This unique structure is what gives glycerine its properties as a humectant, solvent, and emulsifier for different products.
Uses and Glycerine business
Glycerine is widely used in many industries because of its unique properties. Below is an overview of the use of glycerine and the glycerine business:
- Pharmaceuticals: Glycerine is a common solvent used in pharmaceutical formulations. It is also a key component in the preparation of nitroglycerine, a medication used to treat angina and heart conditions. Additionally, it is used to manufacture cough syrups, gels, and other medicinal tablets. Glycerine is also used to produce biodiesel, which is a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel fuels derived from vegetable oils or animal fats.
- Food and beverages: In the food and beverage industry, glycerine is commonly used as a sweetener in low-calorie foods and sugar-free products. It is also used to retain moisture in different food products. Such retention helps prolong shelf life and maintain texture in foods like baked goods, candies, and dried fruits. Glycerine is also commonly used to brew yeast within the beverage industry.
- Cosmetics and personal care products: Glycerine is a prevalent ingredient in lotions, creams, and other skincare products. It acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and helping to keep it hydrated. Because of its skin-softening properties, it makes glycerine ideal for cosmetic applications. Other properties of glycerine that make it ideal for use in cosmetics include stability and compatibility with different ingredients in beauty products.
- Industrial applications: In industrial applications, glycerine is used to manufacture antifreeze and de-icing products. This is possible because of its ability to lower the freezing point of water. It is also used as a lubricant in various machinery and equipment to reduce friction and wear. Glycerine is also employed in the production of biodegradable plastics and resins. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative in plastic manufacturing.
How To Choose Glycerine For Business
When selecting glycerine for business, there are several key factors to consider to ensure the chosen glycerine meets operational requirements and customer expectations. Here are the main factors:
- Purity and quality: Pick glycerine with a high level of purity. Typically, glycerine with food or pharmaceutical grade should have at least 99% purity. Glycerine quality impacts product performance and customer satisfaction, especially in sensitive industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Assess the supplier's quality control and certification processes to understand how they ensure consistency and reliability.
- Supply and availability: Ensure there is a stable supply of glycerine by evaluating the supplier's manufacturing capacity and logistics. This is because glycerine availability is key to preventing any stock shortages. This can have downstream effects on product development and customer satisfaction.
- Market pricing: Compare the market prices of glycerine from different suppliers to get the best deals. However, consider the costs of shipping, taxes, etc. Always bear in mind that the price directly impacts profitability, so ensure the chosen glycerine is competitively priced. Nonetheless, do not compromise on quality to cut down the costs.
- Application: Glycerine has different applications in the beauty, food and beverage, and chemical industries. Always ensure the type of glycerine to select is suitable for the targeted industry. For instance, pure pharmaceutical-grade glycerine is ideal for the drug manufacturing industry. On the other hand, organic glycerine is commonly used in natural and eco-friendly products.
- Customer feedback: Evaluate customer reviews and testimonials. They can offer useful insights into glycerine quality and performance. Indeed, feedback can help in making good decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Glycerine
What is glycerine used for in cosmetics?
In cosmetics, glycerine is mainly used to keep skin moisture. It is a common ingredient in lotions, creams, and other skincare products. Glycerine is also used for hair products, soaps, and makeup.
Are there different grades of glycerine?
Yes, glycerine comes in different grades to suit particular needs. Such grades include pharmaceutical, food, industrial, and cosmetic glycerine. Each grade varies in purity levels. For instance, pharmaceutical-grade glycerine has up to 99.7% purity.
How should glycerine be stored?
Glycerine should be kept in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. It should also be kept in an airtight container to avoid moisture absorption.
Is glycerine vegan-friendly?
Yes, vegan-grade glycerine is available in the market. This includes plant-based glycerine acquired from soy or palm oil. However, synthetic glycerine is often regarded as vegan since it is not derived from animal sources.
Is glycerine environmentally friendly?
Yes, glycerine is a naturally obtained chemical compound, making it eco-friendly. Moreover, organic and pharmaceutical-grade glycerines are sourced from organic farms, further promoting an eco-friendly environment.
