Glycerol and glycerin are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. Glycerol is a type of alcohol that is produced when an animal or plant fats are broken down. Glycerin, on the other hand, is the actual compound that is used in skincare and beauty products. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between glycerol and glycerin and talk about why it is important to use pure glycerin in your skincare products.
What is Glycerol?
Glycerol is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations and as a food additive. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature. Glycerol is used in a variety of applications including as an antifreeze, a solvent, and an emollient. It is also a component of some fibers and plastics. Glycerol can be derived from plant or animal sources, and it is also produced synthetically. Glycerol is non-toxic and has a relatively low melting point, making it ideal for use in many different industries.
What is Glycerin?
Glycerin is a clear, colorless, and viscous liquid with a sweet taste. Glycerin is widely used in the food industry as a sweetener, humectant, solvent, and preservative. Glycerin is also used in the manufacture of explosives, paints, soaps, and detergents. Glycerin is produced by the hydrolysis of fats and oils. It is a by-product of soap manufacture. Glycerin is also produced synthetically from propylene. Glycerin is used in many pharmaceutical preparations such as creams, ointments, and toothpaste. Glycerin is also used as an antifreeze in automobile radiators. Glycerin has hygroscopic properties and will absorb water from the air. Glycerin is used as a plasticizer in the manufacturing of chewing gum and other plastics. Glycerin is also used as a humectant in cigarettes to prevent the tobacco leaves from drying out. Glycerin is inflammable and has a high flash point.
Difference between Glycerol and Glycerin
Glycerol and glycerin are both clear, viscous liquids with a sweet taste. Glycerol has a higher boiling point and is more soluble in water than glycerin. Glycerin is also a component of triglycerides, while glycerol is not. Glycerol can be converted to glucose, while glycerin cannot. Glycerin is used in the food industry as a sweetener and humectant, while glycerol is used as an antifreeze, solvent, and lubricant. Glycerin is also used in the production of explosives.
Conclusion
Glycerin and glycerol are two different substances that are often confused for one another. However, they have very distinct properties that can impact their use. In order to understand the difference between glycerin and glycerol, it is important to first know what each substance is. Glycerin is a natural product that is derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. It is a colorless, odorless liquid with a sweet taste. On the other hand, glycerol is an artificial product that is made through the reaction of propylene oxide with water. It has a slightly bitter taste and a slight odor. Although both substances share some similar properties, there are also several key differences between them.
