Glycerin

Food, cosmetic and technical grades — reliable for manufacturing, cosmetics and food production.

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What is glycerin?

Glycerin (propane-1,2,3-triol) is a triatomic alcohol with strong water-binding properties. It is colourless, odourless and viscous, and is used in many formulations as a humectant, solvent and carrier. Depending on its grade, glycerin is used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and technical applications.

Why choose glycerin?

Versatile in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
Available in different purities for sensitive formulations and technical processes.
Functional as a humectant, viscosity regulator, solvent and carrier.
Also suitable for demanding recipes where stability, texture and processing reliability are important.

Our grades

Food grade (E 422)

Food-grade glycerin is a highly pure raw material for demanding formulations. As food additive E 422, it is mainly used as a humectant, carrier, texturising agent and stabiliser. It binds water reliably, supports product stability and can contribute a slightly sweet note.

Typical applications:

Keeps baked goods such as bread and cakes fresher for longer and supports a moist texture in dried fruits.
Helps reduce sugar crystallisation in confectionery and stabilises consistency.
Supports the even distribution of flavours, colours and other ingredients in beverages, confectionery and ready-made products.
Can improve the stability of emulsions and influence viscosity in sauces, dressings and creams.

Vegetable glycerine 99.5% - food grade E422

From €5.99

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Cosmetic grade

Cosmetic glycerin is a proven raw material for skin and hair care products. It is primarily used as a humectant and supports a stable, pleasant formulation with a good skin feel. Thanks to its good miscibility with water and alcohols, it can be integrated into cosmetic systems in a wide range of ways.

Typical applications:

Provides moisture in creams, lotions, serums, lip care and facial care products.
Improves combability and the soft, well-groomed appearance of shampoos, hair masks and care products.
Supports formulation as a solubiliser, viscosity regulator and auxiliary ingredient in perfume oils and cosmetic blends.
Helps stabilise emulsions and improve product texture.

Glycerin refined 86.5 % Ph. Eur. 1250 kg

Price on request

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Technical grade

Technical glycerin grades are economically designed for industrial processes where functional properties take priority. They are used, among other things, as a starting material, plasticiser, auxiliary ingredient or humectant in various technical applications. Glycerin is also in demand in creative and DIY fields because of its water-binding properties.

Typical applications:

Used in resin and polymer production, lubricants, antifreeze formulations and speciality chemicals.
Used as a plasticiser for bio-based films and flexible materials.
Suitable for creative applications such as watercolours, craft glues, modelling compounds or bubble solutions.
Of interest for sustainable packaging and DIY projects where flexibility and moisture retention are important.

Glycerine 99.5% Technical Grade

Content: 5 Liter (€3.90 / 1 Liter)

From €2.99

Details

General substance data

Chemical name: Propane-1,2,3-triol
Molecular formula: C₃H₈O₃
INCI: GLYCERIN
CAS number: 56-81-5

Glycerin in bulk

We supply glycerin from small quantities to bulk volumes. Small quantities are offered at our shop prices. For larger volumes, we supply IBC containers or even full tanker loads.

For requirements of 1,000 litres or more, please get in touch with us directly — we will prepare a customised quotation.

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FAQ

Is glycerin vegan or plant-based?

Glycerin can be of plant, animal or synthetic origin. We generally offer plant-based variants. The exact source can be found in the product description, the product data sheet, or provided on request.

What else is glycerin called?

Glycerin is the commonly used trivial name. The chemically correct term is glycerol. The designation E 422 identifies glycerin as a food additive with the function of a humectant. The historical term “sweet oil” is now only rarely used.

Can technical glycerin be used in food?

No. For food use, only glycerin of food grade or pharmaceutical grade may be used, appropriately labelled as food additive E 422.

What purity do I need for cosmetics?

For most cosmetic applications, a purity of 99.5% or higher is recommended, as purity, residual water, residues and microbiological criteria play an important role in finished products and in regulatory documentation.

Why is there no 100% glycerin?

In practice, glycerin is highly hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water. It begins absorbing moisture from the air as soon as it is exposed to humidity, so absolute purity is difficult to maintain in everyday use. For this reason, water-free grades with around 99.5% to 99.8%, or the standard commercial form of 85% glycerin (with 15% water), are usually offered.

What do I need to make my own moisturising cream with glycerin?

To make your own cream, you need a water phase, an oil phase and a suitable emulsifier. Glycerin acts as a humectant and should usually be used at a low dosage in cosmetic formulations, typically in the range of 2% to 5%, to maintain a pleasant skin feel.

What do I need to make my own shampoo with glycerin?

Glycerin can help support moisture retention in hair and help prevent dryness in shampoos. However, careful dosing is important, as too much glycerin can also make hair feel brittle under unfavourable conditions. For DIY formulations, low to moderate concentrations are therefore usually used.

Can glycerin clog pores?

No, glycerin is considered non-comedogenic and generally does not clog pores. It is therefore also suitable in principle for oily or blemish-prone skin. The only important point is not to use it undiluted in skincare, but always as part of a suitable formulation.

Unsere Glycerine