Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a naturally derived, water-soluble compound that plays a versatile role in both skincare and cleaning product formulations. It is used as a humectant, solvent, and stabilizer. In cleaning products, glycerin helps retain moisture, improve texture, and reduce skin irritation caused by harsher surfactants—making it an essential ingredient in eco-friendly and gentle cleaners.
Table of Contents
- What Is Glycerin?
- Where Does It Come From?
- Glycerin in Cleaning Products
- Benefits of Glycerin in Formulas
- Is Glycerin Safe?
- Formulation Tips
- Glycerin vs. Other Humectants
- Environmental Impact
- References
What Is Glycerin?
Glycerin is a trihydroxy sugar alcohol that naturally occurs in animal fats and plant oils. It is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid with a sweet taste and excellent water-holding properties. Due to its hygroscopic nature, it draws moisture from the air into solutions, making it a valuable humectant in both personal care and cleaning products.
Where Does It Come From?
Glycerin can be derived from:
- Vegetable sources: Soy, palm, or coconut oils
- Animal fats: Tallow (less common in modern day green products)
- Petrochemical sources: Synthetic (not commonly used in natural cleaning)
In eco-friendly formulations, **vegetable-derived glycerin** is preferred for sustainability and ethical reasons.
Glycerin in Cleaning Products
In the cleaning industry, glycerin serves multiple purposes:
- Solvent: Helps dissolve other ingredients, especially essential oils and natural extracts
- Humectant: Retains moisture in dish soap and hand soap formulas
- Skin-soothing agent: Reduces drying effect of surfactants
- Binder: Helps stabilize product texture and consistency
Benefits of Glycerin in Formulas
- Enhances glide and spreadability
- Acts as a co-solvent for botanical extracts
- Reduces flaking or residue left behind on surfaces
- Improves skin feel in hand wash and dishwashing liquids
Is Glycerin Safe?
Yes. Glycerin is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA and is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and non-irritating. It is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and household cleaning products. It has no known risk of contamination with 1,4-Dioxane or parabens and is hypoallergenic at common usage levels (1–10%).
Formulation Tips
- Typical usage rate: 1% to 5% in cleaning products
- Highly water-soluble—add directly into the aqueous phase
- Use a higher percentage in hand soaps or skin-facing formulas
- Compatible with surfactants and mild acids
Glycerin vs. Other Humectants
| Property | Glycerin | Propylene Glycol | Sorbitol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Plant/animal-based | Petrochemical | Plant-based (corn, fruits) |
| Humectant Strength | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes (vegetable-derived) | No | Yes |
| Common Use | Hand soap, dish soap, cleaners | Antifreeze, cosmetic solvents | Toothpaste, food products |
Environmental Impact
Vegetable-based glycerin is biodegradable and safe for aquatic environments when used at typical concentrations. It breaks down naturally without leaving harmful residues, making it suitable for green and sustainable product lines.
