Pharmaceutical Glycerin (99%)

Pharmaceutical glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a clear, colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid commonly used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. It has the chemical formula C₃H₈O₃ and is a natural byproduct of the soap-making process. Pharmaceutical-grade glycerin is of high purity, typically 99% or higher, making it safe for use in various medical, cosmetic, and consumer applications.

Key Applications of Pharmaceutical Glycerin (99%)
  1. Pharmaceuticals:
    • Excipients: Pharmaceutical glycerin is widely used as a solvent, humectant, preservative, and sweetener in various medicinal products, including oral syrups, cough medicines, elixirs, ointments, and creams.
    • It helps to dissolve active ingredients and stabilize formulations, particularly for liquid medications.
    • Glycerin is also used in glycerin suppositories and topical treatments for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
  2. Cosmetics and Personal Care:
    • Glycerin is used in moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, soaps, and lip balms to retain moisture and improve skin hydration. It acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the air to the skin and preventing dryness.
    • It is commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwashes as it helps to prevent the formulation from drying out while providing a smooth texture.
  3. Food and Beverages:
    • Pharmaceutical-grade glycerin can be used as a sweetener and humectant in food products such as baked goods, candies, and beverages.
    • It is also used as a preservative in certain processed foods to maintain moisture and prevent crystallization.
  4. Industrial Applications:
    • In industrial settings, glycerin (99%) is used as a solvent in the production of paints, inks, and adhesives. It helps dissolve various substances and improve the viscosity and consistency of formulations.
    • It is used in antifreeze mixtures and de-icing solutions for vehicles and aircraft due to its ability to lower the freezing point of water.
  5. Medical Uses:
    • Glycerin enemas are used to relieve constipation by drawing water into the colon and promoting bowel movement.
    • It is also used in the preparation of oral rehydration salts and intravenous solutions for specific medical conditions.
Transportation and Storage of Pharmaceutical Glycerin (99%)
  1. Transportation:
    • Pharmaceutical glycerin is typically transported in bulk via tank trucks, rail tank cars, or shipping containers. Smaller quantities may be shipped in drums or IBC containers.
    • The transportation of glycerin should be handled carefully to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and contamination, as purity is crucial in pharmaceutical applications.
  2. Storage:
    • Conditions: Pharmaceutical glycerin should be stored in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas, away from sources of heat and direct sunlight to avoid degradation.
    • It should be kept in airtight containers (usually stainless steel or high-density polyethylene (HDPE)), and storage containers should be sealed to prevent contamination from moisture or other substances.
    • Glycerin is non-volatile, but to maintain its high purity (99%), it should be stored under conditions that prevent exposure to contaminants or degradation agents.
  3. Temperature:
    • Glycerin remains liquid at room temperature, but it should be stored within standard temperature ranges (usually between 15°C and 25°C) to avoid viscosity changes. While it has a freezing point of around 18°C (64°F), it is unlikely to freeze under normal storage conditions.
Safety Considerations
  • Toxicity: Pharmaceutical glycerin is considered safe for most uses in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. However, it can cause irritation if it comes into contact with eyes or sensitive skin, though it is generally well-tolerated.
  • Inhalation and Ingestion: Glycerin is non-toxic when ingested in small amounts. However, excessive consumption can cause digestive issues. Inhalation of glycerin vapor is not considered harmful in low concentrations, but high exposure should be avoided.
  • Fire Hazard: Although not highly flammable, glycerin can burn at high temperatures. Proper storage away from heat sources is essential to avoid the risk of combustion.