Glycerol for Pharmaceutical, Food & Industrial Applications
Glycerol, also known as Glycerin or Glycerine with chemical formula C3H8O3 and CAS number 56-81-5, featuring molecular weight of 92.09 g/mol and colorless viscous liquid consistency, appearing as clear, odorless, sweet-tasting trihydric alcohol with exceptional humectant properties, outstanding biocompatibility, and superior water miscibility characteristics, is a specialized polyhydric alcohol with excellent hygroscopic capabilities, improved stability characteristics, and superior performance compared to synthetic humectants. Glycerol is specifically manufactured to provide enhanced moisture retention, improved biocompatibility, and superior performance in applications requiring effective humidification, safe consumption compatibility, reliable chemical stability, and pharmaceutical-grade processing in medical formulations, food production, cosmetic applications, personal care products, and industrial chemical synthesis. The compound functions through multiple mechanisms including hydrogen bonding enabling moisture retention, hydroxyl group interactions providing chemical reactivity, and biocompatible metabolism allowing safe consumption, providing broad-spectrum humectant capability, effective moisture management, excellent chemical compatibility under processing conditions, and outstanding safety profile during application and consumption. Glycerol represents one of the most versatile and essential chemical compounds in modern pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries, providing exceptional humectant efficiency, superior chemical reactivity, excellent water miscibility without precipitation, and outstanding biocompatibility profile during processing and application, making it essential for premium pharmaceutical preparations, food formulations, cosmetic moisturizers, personal care products, and specialized applications requiring high-performance humectant technology and regulatory compliance with pharmaceutical and food safety standards.
At Chemicals & Process Equipment Limited, we supply advanced Glycerol manufactured under stringent quality control standards and international pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, industrial, and safety specifications. Our comprehensive product range includes various purity grades, concentration types, and specialized formulations meeting diverse requirements for pharmaceutical applications, food production, cosmetic formulations, personal care products, and industrial processing across global pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and chemical markets.
✅ Advanced Humectant Technology – Optimized Moisture Retention & Multi-Industry Applications
✅ Consistent Quality Standards – Multiple Product Classifications with Comprehensive Documentation
✅ Essential Chemical Intermediate – Superior Humidification, Chemical Reactivity & Biocompatibility
✅ Multi-Industry Applications – Pharmaceutical, Food, Cosmetic, Personal Care, Industrial Processing
✅ Technical Support Package – Complete Application Guidance & Performance Optimization
The global glycerol market was valued at approximately USD 2.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Market expansion is driven by increasing pharmaceutical production, growing food and beverage industry, expanding cosmetic and personal care applications, and rising demand for bio-based chemicals in sustainable manufacturing processes.
Technical Specifications & Glycerol Properties
| Property | USP Grade | Food Grade (FCC) | Cosmetic Grade | Industrial Grade | Technical Grade | Research Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glycerol Content (%) | 99.0-101.0 | 99.0-101.0 | 98.5-100.5 | 95.0-99.5 | 90.0-98.0 | 99.5-100.5 |
| Water Content (%) | <0.5 | <0.5 | <1.0 | <3.0 | <5.0 | <0.2 |
| Specific Gravity (25°C/25°C) | 1.249-1.253 | 1.249-1.253 | 1.245-1.255 | 1.240-1.260 | 1.230-1.270 | 1.250-1.252 |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.4729-1.4746 | 1.4729-1.4746 | 1.4720-1.4750 | 1.4700-1.4760 | 1.4650-1.4780 | 1.4735-1.4742 |
| Viscosity (cP at 25°C) | 934-1410 | 934-1410 | 900-1500 | 800-1600 | 700-1800 | 1100-1300 |
| pH (5% solution) | 4.5-7.5 | 4.5-7.5 | 4.0-8.0 | 3.5-8.5 | 3.0-9.0 | 5.0-7.0 |
| Color (APHA) | <10 | <10 | <20 | <50 | <100 | <5 |
| Chloride (Cl) (ppm) | <10 | <10 | <25 | <50 | <100 | <5 |
| Sulfate (SO4) (ppm) | <20 | <20 | <50 | <100 | <200 | <10 |
| Heavy Metals (ppm) | <5 | <5 | <10 | <20 | <50 | <2 |
| Arsenic (As) (ppm) | <1 | <1 | <3 | <5 | <10 | <0.5 |
| Lead (Pb) (ppm) | <0.5 | <0.5 | <2 | <5 | <10 | <0.2 |
| Iron (Fe) (ppm) | <1 | <1 | <5 | <10 | <25 | <0.5 |
| Fatty Acids/Esters (%) | <0.1 | <0.1 | <0.3 | <1.0 | <3.0 | <0.05 |
| Sugar/Sugar Alcohols (%) | <0.1 | <0.1 | <0.5 | <2.0 | <5.0 | <0.02 |
| Halogenated Compounds (ppm) | <30 | <30 | <100 | <200 | <500 | <10 |
| Residue on Ignition (%) | <0.01 | <0.01 | <0.05 | <0.1 | <0.5 | <0.005 |
| Boiling Point (°C) | 290 | 290 | 290 | 290 | 290 | 290 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 18.2 | 18.2 | 18.2 | 18.2 | 18.2 | 18.2 |
| Flash Point (°C) | 177 | 177 | 177 | 177 | 177 | 177 |
| Appearance | Clear Liquid | Clear Liquid | Clear Liquid | Clear/Slightly Hazy | Variable | Clear Liquid |
| Odor | Odorless | Odorless | Odorless | Slight | Variable | Odorless |
| Taste | Sweet | Sweet | Sweet | Sweet | – | Sweet |
| Application Concentration (%) | 0.5-100 | 1-30 | 2-50 | 5-100 | 10-100 | Variable |
| Storage Temperature (°C) | 15-30 | 15-30 | 10-35 | 5-40 | 0-45 | 20-25 |
| Shelf Life (years) | 3 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Regulatory Status | USP/NF | FCC/GRAS | Cosmetic | Technical | Industrial | Analytical |
Available Product Types:
- USP Grade Glycerol for pharmaceutical applications
- Food Grade (FCC) Glycerol for food and beverage production
- Cosmetic Grade Glycerol for beauty and personal care formulations
- Industrial Grade Glycerol for chemical processing and manufacturing
- Technical Grade Glycerol for industrial applications
- Research Grade Glycerol for laboratory and analytical applications
- Refined Glycerol for high-purity requirements
- Crude Glycerol for industrial processing applications
- Vegetable Glycerol from plant-based sources
- Synthetic Glycerol for specialized applications
- Kosher/Halal Certified Glycerol for religious requirements
- Organic Certified Glycerol for organic formulations
- Pharmaceutical Excipient Glycerol for drug delivery
- Biotech Grade Glycerol for biotechnology applications
- Custom Purity Glycerol for specific application requirements
Specialized Application Solutions:
- Pharmaceutical formulation development and stability studies
- Food product development and sweetening optimization
- Cosmetic moisturization studies and sensory evaluation
- Personal care humectant optimization and performance testing
- Industrial process optimization and efficiency studies
- Chemical synthesis pathway development and scaling
- Biotechnology process optimization and cell culture applications
- Quality control method development and validation
- Regulatory compliance assistance and documentation support
- Custom formulation development and application testing
Pharmaceutical Applications
Drug Formulation Pharmaceutical manufacturers utilize USP Grade Glycerol for liquid medications, syrups, and oral formulations requiring pharmaceutical specifications. Pharmaceutical scientists employ glycerol as humectant, solvent, and sweetening agent for pediatric medications, cough syrups, and liquid dosage forms providing enhanced palatability, improved stability, and superior patient compliance with typical concentrations of 10-50% depending on formulation requirements and therapeutic objectives.
Topical Preparations Pharmaceutical companies use Glycerol for topical creams, ointments, and dermatological products requiring topical specifications. Formulation scientists employ glycerol for moisture retention, skin conditioning, and enhanced penetration providing improved skin hydration, enhanced drug delivery, and superior therapeutic outcomes with excellent skin compatibility.
Injectable Solutions Sterile pharmaceutical manufacturers utilize high-purity Glycerol for injectable preparations, IV solutions, and parenteral products requiring injectable specifications. Pharmaceutical engineers employ glycerol for tonicity adjustment, stabilization, and cryoprotection requiring sterile processing, biocompatibility, and strict quality control for patient safety.
Suppository Bases Pharmaceutical companies use Glycerol for suppository formulations, rectal medications, and sustained-release systems requiring suppository specifications. Pharmaceutical formulators employ glycerol for base preparation, drug solubilization, and release control requiring biocompatibility, appropriate melting characteristics, and effective drug delivery.
Food & Beverage Applications
Food Sweetening Food manufacturers utilize FCC Grade Glycerol for confectionery, baked goods, and sweet applications requiring food grade specifications. Food technologists employ glycerol as sweetener, humectant, and texture modifier for sugar-free products, diabetic foods, and low-calorie formulations providing natural sweetness, moisture retention, and improved shelf life with concentrations typically ranging from 1-15% depending on sweetness requirements and product characteristics.
Beverage Production Beverage companies use Glycerol for soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and specialty drinks requiring beverage specifications. Beverage formulators employ glycerol for sweetening, mouthfeel enhancement, and stability improvement providing smooth texture, enhanced palatability, and superior product consistency with excellent solubility characteristics.
Food Preservation Food processing companies utilize Glycerol for preserved foods, dried fruits, and shelf-stable products requiring preservation specifications. Food scientists employ glycerol for moisture control, antimicrobial effects, and quality maintenance providing extended shelf life, texture preservation, and food safety enhancement.
Functional Foods Functional food manufacturers use Glycerol for nutritional supplements, health foods, and specialized dietary products requiring functional food specifications. Nutrition scientists employ glycerol for nutrient delivery, stability enhancement, and bioavailability improvement requiring safety, efficacy, and nutritional benefits.
For comprehensive information about glycerol applications and pharmaceutical research, you can reference this detailed scientific review on glycerol in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications which provides extensive coverage of pharmaceutical uses, biocompatibility studies, therapeutic applications, and safety profiles from leading pharmaceutical and biomedical specialists.
Cosmetic & Personal Care Applications
Moisturizing Products Cosmetic manufacturers utilize Cosmetic Grade Glycerol for moisturizers, serums, and hydrating formulations requiring cosmetic specifications. Cosmetic chemists employ glycerol for humectant action, skin conditioning, and moisture binding providing long-lasting hydration, improved skin barrier function, and superior consumer satisfaction with concentrations typically ranging from 3-20% depending on product type and moisturizing intensity requirements.
Hair Care Formulations Hair care companies use Glycerol for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products requiring hair care specifications. Hair care formulators employ glycerol for moisture retention, frizz control, and hair conditioning providing improved manageability, enhanced shine, and superior styling performance with excellent compatibility.
Makeup Products Cosmetic manufacturers utilize Glycerol for foundations, lipsticks, and color cosmetics requiring makeup specifications. Makeup formulators employ glycerol for texture enhancement, color stability, and application improvement providing smooth application, long-wearing properties, and enhanced color payoff.
Oral Care Products Oral care companies use Glycerol for toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental products requiring oral care specifications. Oral care scientists employ glycerol for sweetening, moisture retention, and texture modification providing pleasant taste, improved stability, and superior consumer acceptance with dental safety.
Industrial Applications
Chemical Synthesis Chemical manufacturers utilize Industrial Grade Glycerol for chemical intermediates, polymer production, and synthetic chemistry requiring industrial specifications. Chemical engineers employ glycerol for alkyd resins, polyurethanes, and specialty chemicals providing effective reactivity, improved properties, and cost-effective synthesis with applications in coatings, adhesives, and plastic manufacturing.
Biotechnology Processes Biotechnology companies use Glycerol for fermentation, cell culture, and bioprocessing requiring biotechnology specifications. Bioprocess engineers employ glycerol as carbon source, cryoprotectant, and medium component providing enhanced cell growth, improved yields, and superior process performance in pharmaceutical biotechnology and industrial biotechnology applications.
Textile Processing Textile manufacturers utilize Glycerol for fabric treatment, fiber processing, and textile applications requiring textile specifications. Textile engineers employ glycerol for moisture management, softening effects, and processing enhancement providing improved fabric properties, enhanced comfort, and superior performance characteristics.
Tobacco Industry Tobacco companies use Glycerol for tobacco processing, moisture control, and product enhancement requiring tobacco specifications. Tobacco technologists employ glycerol for humidification, flavor enhancement, and quality improvement providing consistent moisture content, improved smoking characteristics, and enhanced product quality.
Quality Control & Testing Procedures
Comprehensive Quality Assurance Every production batch undergoes extensive testing to ensure compliance with glycerol standards, pharmaceutical requirements, food specifications, and international quality standards. Our quality control laboratory employs advanced analytical techniques including chromatographic analysis, physical testing, and comprehensive performance evaluation.
Quality assurance procedures include:
- Glycerol content determination using gas chromatography
- Water content testing using Karl Fischer titration
- Specific gravity measurement using pycnometry
- Refractive index determination using refractometry
- Viscosity measurement using rotational viscometry
- pH testing using calibrated electrode systems
- Color evaluation using spectrophotometric methods
- Chloride analysis using ion chromatography
- Sulfate determination using turbidimetric methods
- Heavy metals analysis using ICP-OES spectroscopy
- Arsenic testing using atomic absorption spectroscopy
- Lead analysis using graphite furnace methods
- Iron content determination using spectrophotometry
- Fatty acids analysis using gas chromatography
- Sugar content testing using HPLC methods
- Halogenated compounds analysis using GC-MS
- Residue on ignition testing using gravimetric methods
- Microbiological testing using pharmacopeial methods
- Endotoxin testing using LAL assay methods
- Appearance evaluation using visual inspection
- Odor and taste assessment using sensory evaluation
- Stability testing using accelerated aging protocols
- Performance validation using application-specific testing
- Regulatory compliance verification using official methods
- Customer application support using field evaluation
Storage & Handling Procedures Implement proper storage conditions including controlled temperature and humidity, protection from contamination and moisture absorption, appropriate pharmaceutical-grade packaging materials, segregation from incompatible substances, and comprehensive safety procedures for maintaining Glycerol quality and ensuring safe handling throughout storage and application periods.
Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
Pharmaceutical Standards USP Grade Glycerol complies with United States Pharmacopeia standards, European Pharmacopoeia requirements, and pharmaceutical quality specifications ensuring safe use in pharmaceutical applications with established safety profiles and comprehensive toxicological assessments for drug delivery applications.
Food Safety Standards FCC Grade Glycerol adheres to Food Chemicals Codex specifications, FDA GRAS status, and international food safety standards ensuring safe use in food applications with established safety protocols and comprehensive safety assessments for food contact and consumption applications.
Cosmetic Safety Standards Cosmetic Grade Glycerol complies with cosmetic safety regulations, personal care standards, and international cosmetic directives ensuring safe use in cosmetic applications with established safety protocols and dermatological compatibility assessments for skin contact applications.
Industrial Standards Industrial Grade Glycerol meets industrial quality standards, environmental regulations, and workplace safety requirements ensuring appropriate use in industrial applications with established safety criteria and environmental compatibility for manufacturing processes.
Performance Advantages & Technical Benefits
✔ Superior Humectant Properties – Excellent moisture retention and hygroscopic characteristics
✔ Biocompatibility – Safe for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic applications
✔ Chemical Versatility – Multiple functional groups enabling diverse reactions
✔ Water Miscibility – Complete solubility with excellent compatibility
✔ Multiple Applications – Suitable for pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and industrial use
✔ Safety Profile – Established safety with GRAS status and regulatory approval
✔ Cost Effectiveness – Economic solution for humectant and chemical intermediate applications
✔ Processing Compatibility – Compatible with various manufacturing processes
✔ Quality Consistency – Uniform performance across production batches
✔ Regulatory Compliance – Approved for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic use
✔ Environmental Safety – Biodegradable with minimal environmental impact
✔ Storage Stability – Stable liquid form under proper storage conditions
✔ Global Availability – Reliable supply chains and worldwide distribution
✔ Technical Versatility – Multiple industry applications and formulation systems
✔ Technical Support – Complete application guidance and optimization services
Our Glycerol products represent industry-leading standards in pharmaceutical excipient technology and multi-industry chemical solutions, specifically manufactured for demanding pharmaceutical formulations, food production, cosmetic applications, and advanced chemical processing requiring exceptional humectant characteristics, reliable biocompatibility performance, and comprehensive technical optimization. We provide complete technical support, process guidance, and performance consultation to ensure optimal results across your specialized pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, or industrial processing applications.
For detailed specifications, technical data sheets, or application-specific recommendations, contact our specialized chemical processing division. We offer complete support including product selection, process optimization, compatibility testing, regulatory guidance, performance monitoring, and technical assistance to maximize effectiveness in your pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, or industrial processing applications.
For more information about our products, feel free to Contact Us today.

















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