Glycerol has approximately 27 calories per teaspoon and is 60% as sweet as sucrose. Although it has about the same food energy as table sugar, it does not raise blood sugar levels, nor does it feed the bacteria that form plaques and cause dental cavities. Glycerol should not be consumed undiluted, as unhydrated glycerol will draw water from tissues, causing blistering in the mouth and gastric distress. As food additive, glycerol is also known as E number E422.
Medicine and pharmaceutical technology
Used in medical and pharmaceutical preparations, mainly as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication and as a humectants. Also may be used to lower intracranial and intraocular pressures.
Used at 10% to prevent tannins from precipitating in ethanol extracts of plants (tinctures).
Used as a substitute for alcohol, as a solvent that will create a therapeutic herbal extraction, but is less extractive and is approximately 30% less able to be absorbed by the body. Fluid extract manufacturers often extract herbs in hot water before adding glycerin to make glycerites.
Used as a parochial building block in organic synthesis.
Used as a laxative when introduced into the rectum in suppository or liquid (enema) form; irritates the bowel and induces a hyperosmotic effect.
Cough syrups, elixirs and expectorants.
Personal care
Serves as an emollient, humectants, solvent, and lubricant in personal care products.
Competes with sorbitol although glycerol has better tasteand higher solubility.
Toothpaste, mouthwashes, skin care products, shaving cream, hair care products and soaps
Polyether polyols
One of the major raw materials for the manufacture of polios for flexible foams, and to a lesser extent rigid polyurethane foams
Glycerol is the initiator to which propylene oxide/ethylene oxide is added
Alkyd resins (plastics) and cellophane
Used in surface coatings and paints
Used as a softener and plasticizer to impart flexibility, pliability and toughness
Uses include meat casings, collagen casings (medical applications)and nonmeat packaging
Plasticizer in cellophane.
Absolute alcohol
There is an absolute alcohol production process by dehydration using glycerol.
