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| Catalog Number | CI-SC-0018 |
| Product Name | Glycerin 99% USP K |
| CAS | 56-81-5 |
| Structure |  |
| Description | Glycerin 99% USP K is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries. It is a pure form of glycerin, which is also known as glycerol or propane-1,2,3-triol. Glycerin 99% USP K is classified as a humectant, a substance that helps to retain moisture. In the cosmetics industry, it is used in skin and hair care products to help hydrate and moisturize the skin and hair. |
| Appearance | clear, odorless, viscous liquid with a sweet taste |
| Application | 1. Glycerin is used as a moisturizer in various cosmetics and personal care products such as lotions, soaps, and creams. 2. It is used as a humectant in the food industry to keep foods moist and soft. 3. Glycerin is used in the pharmaceutical industry to make solutions for oral and topical medicines. 4. It is used as a solvent in the perfume and fragrance industry. 5. Glycerin is applied in the manufacture of antifreeze and brake fluid for vehicles. 6. It is used in the production of certain types of explosives. 7. Glycerin is utilized in the creation of printing ink. 8. Glycerin is used in the making of polyurethane foam. |
| Features And Benefits | 1. Humectant: Glycerin 99% USP K attracts and retains moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated. 2. Skin barrier: It strengthens the skin barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss. 3. Skin soothing: It has a soothing effect on the skin, reducing skin irritation and inflammation. 4. Anti-aging: It helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 5. emollient: It makes the skin soft and smooth to the touch, acting as a natural emollient. |
Chen, H. J., et al. Scientific Reports 12.1 (2022): 10232.
Glycerin is a common humectant in cosmetics and personal care products because of its excellent moisture-retention capacity. However, its performance under different conditions needs to be considered when formulating skin care products.
Objective: This case study uses a variety of analytical techniques to investigate the moisturizing properties of glycerol at different concentrations to help cosmetic formulators gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of glycerol in skin care formulations.
Analysis: The evaporation of glycerol solutions with various concentrations was studied using gravimetric analysis, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Key Results:
· Variation of Moisture Retention with Concentration: The moisture retention capacity of glycerin was found to be improved by increasing the concentration of the glycerin up to 60 wt%. At the range of 60-70 wt% of glycerin, the evaporation was close to zero, and the mass of the sample did not change during the experiment. Solutions with more than 70 wt% glycerin were found to absorb moisture from the air and exhibited hygroscopic characteristics.
· DSC was used to show the existence of both free and nonfreezable (bound) water in the glycerin solutions. It was found that as the concentration of glycerin increased, the proportion of nonfreezable water also increased which is linked to the moisture retention behavior.
Milani, Massimo, et al. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology (2017): 311-315.
Challenge: Some topical moisturizers may negatively affect skin barrier function, but moisturizing effects are not usually evaluated within 24 hours after a single application.
Solution: A moisturizing solution based on hyaluronic acid (HA), glycerin, and Centella asiatica extract (CAE) was used as the study sample to evaluate and compare the 24-hour effects of the moisturizing solution on skin moisturization and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in healthy subjects and a control group.
Key Findings:
· Mechanism: Glycerin (5%) creates immediate humectant reservoir; HA (1%) binds 1000× its weight in water for plumping effect; CAE accelerates re-epithelialization, provides anti-inflammatory protection, and inhibits hyaluronidase enzyme → extends HA longevity.
· TEWL reduced by 52% (1h), 32% (8h), and 48% (24h); Significant barrier improvement vs untreated sites (13±4 AU vs 16±6 AU at 24h, P=0.049).
Conclusion: One application of this moisturizing solution provides long-lasting hydration up to 24 hours while promoting healthy skin barrier function.
What is Glycerin 99% USP K and how is it sourced?
Glycerin 99% USP K is a highly pure form of glycerin, which is a simple alcohol compound with three hydroxy groups. It can be sourced naturally from the hydrolysis of fats or through the fermentation of sugars. Alternatively, it may also be synthetically produced. Derived from either animal or vegetable lipids, glycerin is known for its versatility and presence in various natural lipids.
What are the primary functions of Glycerin 99% USP K in personal care products?
Glycerin serves multiple roles in personal care formulations. It acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin while maintaining its natural balance. It functions as a moisturizer and skin conditioning agent, helping to protect the skin by enhancing its natural barrier functions. Additionally, glycerin is used as a denaturant, hair conditioning agent, solvent, and to control viscosity in various products.
How does Glycerin 99% USP K benefit the skin when used in skincare products?
Glycerin 99% USP K benefits the skin primarily by attracting and retaining moisture, which helps to balance the skin's natural moisturizing factor. This supports the skin's health and aids in preserving the structure of the outer skin layers, also known as the epidermis. It fills the intercellular matrix in the skin, enhancing its protective abilities and maintaining homeostasis.
In which types of products can Glycerin 99% USP K typically be found?
Glycerin is a staple ingredient in many personal care products, including soaps, lotions, and creams. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from 2% to 5% to impart its beneficial properties. Besides skincare, glycerin is also utilized in oral care products and perfuming applications due to its versatile characteristics.
What are the properties of vegetable-derived glycerin, and how are they beneficial?
Vegetable-derived glycerin, often sourced from vegetables and coconut, has excellent water-binding and moisture-retaining properties. These attributes are particularly advantageous for maintaining the skin's natural moisturizing factor. The moisture-retention capability of vegetable glycerin ensures the skin remains hydrated and can support the resilience and health of the epidermis.
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