There are numerous Chemicals available on Earth; most of them have been discovered, but several others are not yet discovered. Chemicals are directly related to the Pharmaceutical industry.
The pharmaceutical industry is an industry that deals with chemicals, drugs for use in medication, etc.; they produce, discover, or develop Different Chemicals and drugs for medication use which is readily available in the market.
The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most important industries, and without their affiliation, no medicines can be manufactured by the manufacturers.
Pharmaceutical companies may deal in generic or brand medications along with medical devices.
Numerous Chemicals are considered harmful for human consumption, and these Chemicals are distinguished from drugs. The pharmaceutical industry creates this distinction.
For example, chemicals like glycerin are used in skincare products, and the Pharmaceutical Industry prescribes that it is not harmful to the skin.
Key Takeaways
- Glycerol and glycerin are two names for the same compound, a clear, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid used in various industries.
- Glycerol/glycerin is a key component of various products, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals, due to its moisturizing properties and ability to act as a solvent.
- Glycerol/glycerin can be derived from animal fats and vegetable oils or synthesized chemically.
Glycerol vs. Glycerin
The difference between glycerol and glycerin is glycerol is a pure form. On the other hand, glycerin contains 95% glycerol. However, that chemical formula is the same. They cannot be used interchangeably, especially when purity is preferred.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Glycerol | Glycerin |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It is a simple polyol compound, which is pure form. | It is a solution which contains 95% of glycerol in it. |
| Availability | It is not available in its pure form. | It is available in its pure form. |
| Purpose | Internal use | External use |
| Uses | Used in medication | Used in cosmetics |
| Side effects | Nausea, headache, dizziness, etc. | Skin redness, rashes, blisters, etc. |
What is Glycerol?
Glycerol is a simple polyol compound which does not have any color or smell. Glycerol is a non-toxic liquid that tastes sweet.
The backbone of glycerol is found in lipids known as glyceride. Glycerol has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it fit for treating burns and wounds.
Glycerol is widely accepted for several skin treatments, including constipation, obesity, meningitis, stroke, improving hydration, etc., although there are no specifications for the proper use of glycerol. Glycerol is also present in human tissues in the form of trivalent alcohol.
Glycerol is a volatile liquid; if left outside in contact with the environment, it will vaporize even at room temperature.
Glycerol is biodegradable, and when it is exposed to the environment, it distributes among air, soil, or sediment.
There are other improvisations done in glycerol for several treatments; for example, Intravenous glycerol is used for cerebral edema and hence reduces intracranial pressure, iodinated glycerol is used in the treatment of respiratory disorders, and it is also added to cough syrup to reduce the irritation in the throat, etc.
Glycerol can be consumed through the mouth or applied on the skin directly; for example, for skin treatment, it is applied on second directly, and in case of internal diseases like diarrhea, or constipation, it is consumed as an enema.
Along with its advantages, glycerol has several disadvantages; it can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea when taken through the mouth. It can cause a skin rash, redness, or burns if applied directly on the skin.
It can cause damage to red blood cells if injected. Therefore, the use of glycerol should be done under medical supervision.
What is Glycerin?
Glycerin is the commercial name of glycerol which contains 95% of it. Glycerin cannot be used interchangeably with glycerol.
Glycerin is a less pure form of glycerol. The chemical formula of glycerol and glycerin is the same, but the terminology differs.
Glycerin is widely used in cosmetics; other than fragrances and water, it is the most used product in the cosmetic industry. Numerous products include glycerin in them, especially moisturizers and lotions.
Pure glycerin is also readily available in the market, and people tend to buy it for direct use.
There are numerous advantages of using glycerin on the skin: glycerin provides hydration to the skin, helps to improve barrier function and skin mechanical properties, provides protection against skin irritation, accelerates the healing process, etc.
Glycerin is a humectant type of moisturizing agent which pulls water from the deeper layers of skin to the uppermost layer of skin, which provides hydration to the upper layer of skin. Glycerin is safe for consumption to certain limits and used for sweetening, thickening, or as a preservative in numerous recipes.
It is always advisable to dilute the glycerin because it derives water from the lowest into the upper layer of the skin, which might dehydrate the skin in the future and can dehydrate to the level of causing blisters.
Glycerin has a few disadvantages; for example, it can cause rashes, redness, itching, burns, blisters, etc., and it might not suit every skin type. Therefore, it is advisable to get it prescribed by doctors before use.
Main Differences Between Glycerol and Glycerin
- Glycerol is a simple polyol compound in pure form. On the other hand, glycerin is 95% of glycerol in addition to other ingredients.
- Glycerol is used more for internal cure purposes. On the other hand, glycerin is used more for the external purpose.
- Glycerol can cause nausea, dizziness, headache, etc.; however, glycerin can cause skin redness, rashes, blisters, etc.
- Glycerol is not available in the market in its pure form, but glycerin is readily available in its pure form.
- Glycerol is used more in medications. On the other hand, glycerin is used in cosmetic products used in daily life.
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-199826030-00002
- https://aip.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10.1063/1.1747496
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
It’s interesting to know the varied uses of glycerol. It’s not just used in medication, but also in treating burns and respiratory disorders. This is an eye-opening article!
I completely agree. This article has broadened my knowledge on the applications of glycerol beyond medication.
The article does a great job of explaining the various applications of glycerol. However, it could benefit from delving deeper into the chemical properties of glycerol to provide readers with a better understanding.
I agree, Scott. A more in-depth exploration of glycerol’s chemical properties would enhance the article’s insights into the compound.
It’s fascinating to learn about the medicinal applications of glycerol and glycerin. How intriguing that they can be used in treating respiratory disorders and reducing throat irritation!
I share your fascination, Molly. The medicinal versatility of glycerol and glycerin is certainly enlightening.
This article skilfully presents the various uses of glycerol and glycerin, offering readers an in-depth understanding. It’s a commendable piece of work.
I’m thoroughly impressed with the thoroughness of this article, Stephen. It’s a testament to the quality of research and analysis.
This is a great informative post. It explains the differences between glycerol and glycerin and provides a comparison table. I found this very helpful.
You’re right! I had never considered that pharmaceutical companies may deal in generic or brand medications along with medical devices. It’s important to distinguish the difference between these chemicals and drugs.
I’m not sure if I completely understand the distinctions between glycerol and glycerin. Can the author provide more examples for clarity?
I think it would have been beneficial to supplement the article with real-world examples to illustrate the discrepancy between glycerol and glycerin. I feel the same way as you, Zallen.
The author could have been more explicit in explaining the differences between glycerol and glycerin. I share the same concerns.
I appreciate the detailed comparison, but I wish the potential side effects of glycerin were also highlighted. It’s important to be aware of the risks involved in using glycerin.
I share your concern, Pete. The article should have provided a more comprehensive overview of not only the benefits, but also the drawbacks of using glycerin.
You bring up an excellent point, Pete. Highlighting the potential side effects of glycerin would have made this article even more informative.
The article has emphasized the importance of using glycerol under medical supervision due to its potential disadvantages. It certainly highlights the significance of safety and medical guidance in using glycerol.
Yes, the potential side effects of glycerol are certainly alarming. As such, the necessity of medical guidance in its usage cannot be overstated.
I couldn’t agree more. It’s crucial for readers to understand the precautions and risks involved in using glycerol.
The article has provided valuable insights into the uses and distinctions between glycerol and glycerin. It’s a compelling read with informative content.
I’m in total agreement, Matilda. The depth of information in this article is truly commendable.
This article has provided a comprehensive comparison between glycerol and glycerin, shedding light on their distinctions. It’s certainly an insightful piece on these chemical compounds.
I couldn’t have said it better, Harrison. The article’s thorough comparison enhances understanding of these chemical compounds.
I concur with your assessment, Harrison. The depth of comparison in this article is truly commendable.