Vegetable glycerin, often referred to as glycerol or glycerine, is a versatile clear liquid commonly derived from oils such as soybean, coconut, or palm. This odorless substance possesses a mildly sweet flavor and a syrup-like texture, making it a valuable ingredient in various sectors, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Its popularity in the cosmetic industry is well-known, yet vegetable glycerin offers numerous other applications and potential health benefits. For instance, it can effectively moisturize the skin, alleviate constipation, and enhance hydration, which may contribute to improved athletic performance. Additionally, its positive effects extend beyond beauty, as it can support skin health and promote gut strength.

This article delves into the diverse uses, benefits, and possible side effects associated with vegetable glycerin.

What is Vegetable Glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a type of sugar alcohol that can be sourced from various origins including animal products, plants, or petroleum. The variant known as vegetable glycerin is specifically derived from plant oils, marking a more natural option. Its historical roots trace back to over two centuries ago when it was accidentally discovered during the heating of a mixture composed of olive oil and lead monoxide.

However, it wasn't until the late 1800s that vegetable glycerin gained significant economic and industrial relevance, particularly when it was harnessed for the production of dynamite. The process of creating vegetable glycerin involves heating triglyceride-rich vegetable fats, such as palm (palma), soy (soya), and coconut (nariyal) oils, under high pressure or in conjunction with a strong alkali, like lye.

This method allows glycerin to separate from the fatty acids, resulting in a blend with water that produces an odorless, sweet-tasting, syrupy liquid. The final product is a slightly sweet, syrup-like substance that serves various applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, showcasing its versatility as a natural humectant and solvent.

Common Uses

Vegetable glycerin, known for its versatility, finds extensive applications across various sectors, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This multifunctional compound is often incorporated into food products to facilitate the blending of oil and water-based ingredients, thereby enhancing the sweetness and moisture retention of the final dish. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in preventing the formation of ice crystals in frozen delicacies such as low-fat frozen yogurt, ice cream, and an array of desserts.

In the realm of pharmaceuticals, glycerin is a staple ingredient in numerous medications, notably in heart treatments, suppositories, cough syrups, and anesthetics, showcasing its vital role in healthcare. Moreover, this ingredient is also prevalent in toothpaste formulations, where it serves to retain moisture, preventing the paste from drying out or becoming hard in the tube.

Furthermore, vegetable glycerin is frequently utilized in the production of soaps, candles, lotions, deodorants, and makeup, attesting to its widespread relevance in everyday products. Overall, vegetable glycerin's most prominent applications lie in the areas of cosmetics, pharmaceutical formulations, and food manufacturing.

Potential Benefits

Vegetable glycerin is often hailed for its myriad of health advantages. Nevertheless, only a handful of these benefits have substantial scientific backing, with existing studies being limited in both size and scope. It is essential to acknowledge that further research is required to fully understand its health effects.

The following benefits are supported by the most evidence available.

1. May Moisturize Skin

Thanks to its remarkable moisturizing properties, vegetable glycerin has become a favored ingredient in skincare treatments. Research indicates that applying glycerin to the skin can gradually enhance its smoothness and elasticity. In fact, creams that contain glycerin may boost skin hydration as quickly as within 10 days.

In one particular study, a glycerin-based cream outperformed those containing silicone oil or hyaluronic acid in terms of hydrating the skin and preventing moisture loss. Another study found that adding glycerin to a warm water bath was more effective at improving skin moisture levels and protecting against skin irritation than a warm bath alone.

2. May Promote Skin Health

Vegetable glycerin could potentially enhance skin health by alleviating skin irritations, offering protection against infections, and aiding wound healing. Research highlights that glycerin-infused products may shield the skin from irritants and microbes, as well as soothe inflamed or damaged skin. Additionally, vegetable glycerin may serve as a barrier, safeguarding the skin from harsh environmental elements like wind and cold temperatures. According to another study, vegetable glycerin proved to be more effective than a placebo in reducing sensations of discomfort in individuals with eczema, although it did not significantly alleviate stinging, itching, dryness, or irritation.

3. May Reduce Constipation

Vegetable glycerin may offer some relief from constipation. This is due to its ability to attract water into the intestines, thereby exerting a laxative effect that facilitates smoother movement of digested food through the gut. This is why glycerin is commonly used in suppository form.

In one research study, glycerin suppositories were found to be significantly more effective than alternative laxatives in alleviating constipation caused by pain-relieving medications. Another study revealed that a glycerin enema was 16.5% more effective at relieving constipation compared to a liquid soap enema.

4. May Boost Hydration and Athletic Performance

Glycerin might also enhance hydration, potentially improving athletic performance. Dehydration can severely hinder athletic capabilities, especially when fluid loss surpasses 2% of body weight. A practical strategy to prevent dehydration is to consume adequate liquids both before and during physical activity. However, drinking during intense exercise may not always be feasible, making pre-exercise hydration crucial. The challenge with consuming large amounts of fluids in a short period is that a significant portion tends to be excreted through urine shortly thereafter.

However, a meta-analysis indicated that incorporating 1.1g/kg of body weight, or 0.5g/lb of body weight, of glycerin into water consumed prior to exercise enhanced fluid retention by 50% compared to water alone. Additionally, glycerin may provide minor improvements in athletic performance. In another study, a glycerin-based drink was found to be more effective than plain water or sports drinks at improving hydration in athletes who experienced significant fluid loss through perspiration during exercise.

Potential Side Effects

Vegetable glycerin, widely recognized for its safety, can still pose certain risks.

• While it is generally safe for most individuals, applying it directly to the skin may trigger allergic reactions in some. Hence, it is advisable to commence with a small quantity to gauge your skin's response.
• When consumed, some individuals might experience side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, along with an increased sense of thirst.
• As glycerin acts as a sugar alcohol that the body cannot completely absorb, excessive intake—whether through direct use or via foods—can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including gas and diarrhea.
• While vegetable glycerin is largely considered safe, it's important to be aware of potential allergic reactions and other side effects like headaches, nausea, increased thirst, and digestive issues that may affect certain people.

Conclusion

Vegetable glycerin, a transparent, odorless, and sweet liquid, is extracted from plant-based fats. It finds its application in a variety of products including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This versatile ingredient may provide several health advantages, such as enhancing skin hydration and elasticity, alleviating constipation, promoting better hydration, and potentially improving physical performance. If you're considering incorporating vegetable glycerin into your routine, it’s advisable to begin with a small quantity to monitor your body's response.