Vegetable glycerin is a clear, odourless, and slightly sweet-tasting liquid that is highly soluble in water and other polar solvents. It has a high boiling point of 290°C (554°F) and a low freezing point of -36°C (-33°F). It is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and biodegradable.

It is a triol compound, meaning it has three hydroxyl groups (-OH) that make it highly hygroscopic, which means it can attract and retain moisture. This makes it an excellent humectant and moisturising agent in cosmetic products.

Different grades of vegetable glycerin 

There are three different grades of vegetable glycerin, which are determined by their purity levels. 

The grades are as follows: 

• USP Grade:
  This is the highest grade of vegetable glycerin and is suitable for use in pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care products. It meets the standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and is at least 99.5% pure. 
• Food Grade:
  This grade of vegetable glycerin is suitable for use in food and beverage products. It is at least 99% pure and meets the requirements of the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC). 
• Industrial Grade:
  This grade of vegetable glycerin is used in industrial applications such as in the production of explosives, antifreeze, and lubricants. It may contain impurities and is not suitable for use in food or personal care products.

The Uses of Vegetable Glycerin

A. In Food and Beverage Industry 

1. As a sweetener

Vegetable glycerin is a natural sweetener that is commonly used in the food and beverage industry. It is approximately 60% as sweet as sucrose (table sugar) and is a popular alternative to artificial sweeteners. It is commonly used in baked goods, confectionery products, and beverages.

2. In baking 

Vegetable glycerin is used in baking to prevent baked goods from drying out and to add moisture. It is also used as a humectant, which helps to retain moisture and prolong shelf life of other products.

3. In preserving food 

Vegetable glycerin is used as a natural preservative to extend the shelf life of certain types of food. It helps to keep moisture loss, prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage.

B. In Personal Care Products 

1. Skincare 

Vegetable glycerin is a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its moisturising and hydrating properties. It helps to soften and smooth the skin, and can also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Hair care 

Vegetable glycerin is used in hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners to help moisturise and hydrate the hair. It can also help to reduce frizz and improve the overall appearance of the hair.

3. Oral care 

Vegetable glycerin is used in oral care products such as mouthwashes and toothpaste as a humectant and moisturiser. It helps to soothe and protect the mouth and gums, and can also help to reduce bad breath.

4. Personal lubricants 

Vegetable glycerin is commonly used as a lubricant in personal care products such as lubricants and massage oils. It helps to reduce friction and improve the overall experience.

C. In the Pharmaceutical Industry 

1. As a solvent 

Vegetable glycerin is commonly used as a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry. It helps to dissolve certain types of medications and can improve their effectiveness.

2. In cough syrups 

Vegetable glycerin is used as an ingredient in cough syrups to help soothe and moisturise the throat. It can also help to reduce coughing and other symptoms of a cold or flu.

3. In suppositories 

Vegetable glycerin is used in suppositories as a lubricant oil and moisturiser. It can also help to improve the absorption of certain medications.

4. In mouthwashes 

Vegetable glycerine is used in mouthwashes to keep moisture loss help soothe and protect the mouth and gums. It can also help to freshen breath and improve oral hygiene.

Benefits of Vegetable Glycerin

For skin:

• Moisturizes skin: Vegetable glycerine is a natural humectant, which means it attracts moisture from the environment and helps to keep the skin hydrated.
• Soothes dry and irritated skin: The moisturizing properties of vegetable glycerine can help to soothe dry and irritated skin, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products.
• Improves skin texture: Vegetable glycerine can help to improve the texture of the skin by making it softer and smoother.

For hair:

• Moisturizes hair: Vegetable glycerine can help to moisturise and hydrate the hair, making it a popular ingredient in hair care products.
• Reduces frizz: The moisturising properties of vegetable glycerine can help to reduce frizz and improve the overall appearance of the hair.
• Promotes hair growth: Vegetable glycerine can help to promote hair growth by improving the health of the scalp and hair follicles.

For digestive health:

• Relieves constipation: Vegetable glycerine can be used as a natural laxative to relieve constipation. It works by drawing water into the colon and softening the stool.
• Soothes the digestive system: Vegetable glycerine can help to soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation, making it a popular ingredient in digestive health supplements.

For oral health:

• Freshens breath: Vegetable glycerine can help to freshen breath by reducing the growth of bacteria that can cause bad breath.
• Soothes and protects the mouth and gums: The moisturising properties of vegetable glycerine can help to soothe and protect the mouth and gums, making it a popular ingredient in oral care products.

For overall health:

• Reduces inflammation: Vegetable glycerine has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
• Boosts the immune system: Vegetable glycerine can help to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells.
• Promotes skin health: The moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties of vegetable glycerine can help to promote overall skin health, improving the appearance and texture of the skin.

Conclusion

Vegetable glycerine is a versatile and beneficial substance that is used in a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. It is derived from natural sources and has numerous benefits, including moisturising and soothing properties for the skin and hair, digestive health benefits, and immune-boosting properties.

It is important to note that there are different grades of vegetable glycerine, and it is crucial to choose the right grade for your intended use. 

With its many uses and benefits, vegetable glycerine is a valuable and important ingredient in many products, and it will continue to be a popular and useful substance in various industries for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions -

1 - Is Vegetable Glycerin safe for consumption?

Yes, vegetable glycerin is considered safe for consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). However, it is important to note that some people may be sensitive to VG and may experience side effects such as headaches or allergic reactions. Always make sure to take precautions or get in touch with the experts before using VG.

2 - Can Vegetable Glycerin be used in vaping?

Yes, vegetable glycerin is a common ingredient in e-liquids used in vaping. It produces a thicker vapor and a smoother throat hit compared to propylene glycol, which is another common ingredient in e-liquids.

3 - What is the difference between Vegetable Glycerin and Propylene Glycol?

Vegetable glycerin is a thicker liquid that produces more vapor and has a slightly sweet taste, while propylene glycol is thinner and produces less vapor but has a stronger throat hit. VG is clear liquid also considered to be less harsh on the throat and less likely to cause allergies compared to PG.

4 - How to incorporate vegetable glycerine in day-to-day life?

Vegetable glycerine can be used for skin and hair care, in food and beverages as a sweetener, in personal care products, and as a base for herbal tinctures.

5 - Is there any allergic reaction of Vegetable glycerine?

Vegetable glycerine is generally considered safe. There is no potential side effects of VG and has various health benefits. It is great for skin tone and retaining moisture on skin's surface.

6 - Can I use vegetable glycerine to cure eczema, skin dryness, skin irritation, sensitive skin and wound healing?

Vegetable glycerine is a great moisturising product which can also be used for various health benefits including as a moisturiser and to treat conditions like eczema, skin dryness, skin irritation, sensitive skin and wound healing.

7 - Is VG perfect to apply on all skin types?

It is an ideal product to use for any body, age-group and skin-types. However, one can go with a patch test before incorporation.