Glycerin is a simple polyol (sugar alcohol) compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature. The glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as triglycerides. Glycerol is sweet-tasting and generally considered non-toxic.

Glycerin is used in many industries, including skin care, hair care, and oral hygiene. According to a 2019 FDA report, glycerin is the third most-used ingredient in cosmetics after water and fragrance. Glycerin is now in 23,366 products, including:

• Lipsticks
• Hair coloring products
• Bath soaps
• Detergents
• Skincare products
• Tanning products
• Baby products
• Eye creams
• Shaving products
• Hair conditioners
• Oral care products
• Oral medicines
• Sweetener in candies and cookies (due to its high sugar content)
• Solvent and preservative in food products
• Ice cream and toothpaste base (due to its ability to maintain a smooth texture)