Glycerine (Liquid)

Glycerine, also written as glycerin and known by its chemical name glycerol, is a simple sugar alcohol that attracts and holds water. Vegetable glycerine is recovered from plant oils, often as part of the soap-making process, and then purified. This plant route is what makes it vegan, unlike glycerine made from animal fat or synthetic petroleum sources.

Because it pulls moisture from the air into whatever it touches, glycerine is valued as a humectant. In skincare it keeps skin soft and hydrated. In soap it adds a smooth, moisturising feel and helps melt-and-pour bases stay clear. It is also widely used in pharmaceutical products and across the food industry as a sweetener and preservative. Glycerine pairs well with other cosmetic bases. For a non-greasy, water-insoluble oil phase, many formulators reach for our paraffin oil BP.

• Acts as a strong humectant that draws moisture into skin and hair
• Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated
• Adds moisture and a richer lather to handmade soap
• Helps melt-and-pour soap bases stay clear and reduce sweating
• Odourless and colourless, so it disappears into any blend
• Fully water soluble and easy to work with
• Vegan, plant-derived and cruelty free
• Very stable with a long shelf life

In Skincare

• Add to toners, mists and serums at around 3% to 5% as a humectant.
• Blend into lotions, creams and cleansers for extra moisture.
• Always dilute before applying to skin, as undiluted glycerine can feel sticky and may draw moisture out of skin in very dry air.

In Soap Making

• Add to cold process soap for a smoother, more moisturising bar.
• Use in melt-and-pour bases to keep them clear and reduce sweating.
• Include in liquid soap and shampoo formulas for a softer skin feel.

In Food and Other Industries

• Used across the food industry as a sweetener, humectant and preservative.
• Used in pharmaceutical products such as cough syrups.
• Added to toothpaste and mouthwash style formulations.

• INCI Name: Glycerin
• Chemical Name: Propane-1,2,3-triol (Glycerol)
• Common Names: Vegetable Glycerine, Glycerin, Glycerol, VG
• Type: Humectant for cosmetic, food and industrial use
• Source: Plant-derived (vegetable oils)

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Clear and colourless
• Odour: Odourless
• Taste: Mildly sweet
• Texture: Thick and syrup-like
• Solubility: Fully soluble in water and alcohol, not in oil

Usage Notes

• Glycerine is hygroscopic, meaning it draws water from the air. Keep the lid sealed between uses.
• Dilute before applying to skin for the best feel and performance.
• It mixes easily with water and alcohol but will not blend into oils on its own.
• Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Is vegetable glycerine vegan?

Yes. Our glycerine is vegetable derived and vegan approved. Glycerine can also be made from animal fat or synthetic petroleum sources, but ours is plant-derived only.

What is the difference between glycerin, glycerine and glycerol?

They are the same thing. Glycerol is the chemical name for the compound. Glycerine and glycerin are the names used for the purified commercial product, with glycerine being the common Australian and British spelling and glycerin the American spelling. Whichever spelling you search for, this is the product you are looking for.

What is the difference between food grade and cosmetic grade glycerine?

Cosmetic grade is purified to a standard safe for skin and hair products. Food grade meets a higher purity standard that is also safe to eat. If you need a specific grade for your application, check the product specification or get in touch before ordering and we will confirm what suits your use.

How do I dilute vegetable glycerine for skincare?

For most skincare, use glycerine at around 3% to 5% of your formula and blend it into the water phase. For a simple hydrating toner, mix a small amount of glycerine into water or a hydrosol. Using it neat on the skin can feel sticky and is not recommended.

Can glycerine be used in food?

Glycerine is widely used in the food industry as a sweetener, humectant and preservative. If you need it for a food application, confirm the grade suits your use before ordering.

What is the shelf life of vegetable glycerine?

Glycerine is very stable. Stored sealed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, it keeps its quality for at least two years and often longer. Because it draws in moisture, the main thing to manage is keeping the container closed.