Glycerin (Glycerol) – High-Purity Cosmetic & Food Grade Humectant | Bulk Supply from AIHerba®
CAS No.: 56-81-5
Molecular Formula: C₃H₈O₃
Appearance: Clear, colorless, viscous liquid
Purity: ≥ 99.5%
Botanical Source / Production Origin: Natural plant-based (derived from vegetable oils such as palm or soybean)
(1) Product Overview
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a naturally occurring polyol compound used as a moisturizer, humectant, and solvent across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, and health supplements. AIHerba® supplies high-purity, USP / EP / FCC-grade glycerin produced through advanced hydrolysis and purification technology to meet international quality standards.
Our glycerin is 100% plant-based, non-GMO, and GMP-certified, offering superior stability, clarity, and consistency for industrial applications.
(2) Source & Production Process
Raw Material Origin: Renewable vegetable oils (palm, soybean, coconut)
Manufacturing Process:
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Hydrolysis – Triglycerides are hydrolyzed into fatty acids and crude glycerol.
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Purification – Removal of salts, methanol, and water via multiple distillation stages.
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Refining – Activated carbon and ion exchange treatment for color and odor removal.
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Filtration & Polishing – Ensures clear, colorless final product with ≥99.5% purity.
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Quality Control – Each batch undergoes testing for purity, moisture, heavy metals, and microbial contamination according to USP/FCC/EP standards.
(3) Benefits & Functional Properties
| Application | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics & Skincare | Deep moisturizing, enhances skin barrier, improves formulation stability. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Used as a solvent, emollient, and sweetener in syrups and topical formulations. |
| Food & Beverage | Functions as humectant, sweetener, and preservative to retain moisture and texture. |
| Health Supplements | Acts as a carrier and stabilizer for herbal extracts and actives. |
| Industrial Use | Used in personal care, toothpaste, herbal gel, soft capsule, and e-liquid formulations. |
(4) Health & Safety Profile
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GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the U.S. FDA
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Non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-irritating to the skin
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Vegan and allergen-free
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Suitable for clean-label, natural, and sustainable formulations
Reference:
(5) Specification & COA Summary
Product Specification Table (Typical Values)
| Item | Specification | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, colorless, viscous liquid | Visual |
| Glycerin Content | ≥ 99.5% | GC / USP Method |
| Water | ≤ 0.5% | Karl Fischer |
| Ash | ≤ 0.01% | USP 281 |
| pH (5% solution) | 5.0 – 8.0 | USP 791 |
| Odor | Odorless | Organoleptic |
| Density (20°C) | 1.26 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
Pesticide Residue Testing
| Parameter | Limit (mg/kg) | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Organochlorine pesticides | ≤ 0.01 | GC-MS |
| Organophosphorus pesticides | ≤ 0.01 | GC-MS |
| Pyrethroid pesticides | ≤ 0.01 | HPLC |
Heavy Metal Testing
| Element | Limit (ppm) | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 1.0 | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1.0 | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 0.5 | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 | ICP-MS |
Microbiological Analysis
| Parameter | Limit (cfu/g) | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 1,000 | USP <61> |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤ 100 | USP <61> |
| E. coli | Negative | USP <62> |
| Salmonella | Negative | USP <62> |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Negative | USP <62> |
(6) Storage & Shelf Life
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Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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Shelf Life: 24 months from the manufacturing date under recommended conditions.
(7) Packaging & MOQ
| Packaging Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drum | 250 kg / HDPE drum |
| IBC Tote | 1200 kg / IBC tank |
| Sample | 500 mL sample available upon request |
| MOQ | 1 Drum (250 kg) |
(8) Shipping & Sample Policy
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Free 100–500 mL sample for testing available.
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Lead Time: 7–15 working days after order confirmation.
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Shipping Options: Air (FedEx, DHL), sea freight, or courier based on destination.
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Customs Support: Full documentation (MSDS, COA, TDS, export certificate).
(9) Recommended Usage & Formulation Guide
| Industry | Suggested Use Level | Formulation Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics | 1–10% | Humectant, moisturizer |
| Food & Beverage | 0.1–5% | Sweetener, humectant |
| Pharmaceuticals | 2–15% | Solvent, emollient |
| Supplements | 1–8% | Carrier, stabilizer |
(10) Applications & Industry Solutions
1. Cosmetics & Personal Care: Facial creams, body lotions, serums, toners, shampoos, and toothpaste.
2. Food & Beverage: Low-calorie sweeteners, bakery, beverages, and dairy products.
3. Pharmaceutical Formulations: Syrups, suppositories, topical ointments.
4. Nutraceuticals: Liquid herbal extracts, softgel fillers, and gummies.
5. Industrial Applications: Tobacco humectants, e-liquids, and lubricant additives.
(11) Certifications & Quality Assurance
✅ GMP, ISO9001, HACCP certified factory
✅ USP / FCC / EP compliance
✅ Halal & Kosher certified
✅ Non-GMO, Vegan-friendly
✅ Full traceability & COA available per batch
(12) About AIHerba®
AIHerba® (Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.) is a GMP-certified manufacturer and exporter with 28+ years of experience in botanical extracts, natural ingredients, and functional raw materials.
We specialize in OEM & ODM services for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and dietary supplements.
Contact Us:
📧 sales@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com
🌐 www.aiherba.com
(13) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is AIHerba® Glycerin plant-based?
Yes, our glycerin is 100% vegetable-derived from sustainable palm or soybean oil sources.
Q2: What grades of glycerin do you supply?
We offer USP, EP, FCC, and food-grade glycerin suitable for cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical use.
Q3: Can you provide glycerin with customized purity or blends?
Yes, we support customized formulation and packaging (OEM/ODM) per client requirements.
Q4: What’s the shelf life and storage condition?
24 months when stored in a cool, sealed environment away from light and heat.
Q5: Do you provide samples for testing?
Yes, free samples (100–500 mL) are available for quality evaluation before bulk order.
(14) References
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[European Pharmacopoeia (EP) 10.0 – Glycerol Monograph]
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[FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) – Glycerin Specifications]
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United States Pharmacopeia (USP). “Monograph: Glycerin.” USP-NF.
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European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). “Monograph: Glycerol (0497).” tenth Version.
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Meals Chemical compounds Codex (FCC). “Monograph: Glycerin.” twelfth Version.
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Joint FAO/WHO Knowledgeable Committee on Meals Components (JECFA). “Glycerol.” Monographs & Evaluations.
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U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA). “Code of Federal Rules Title 21: Substances Usually Acknowledged As Protected (GRAS).”
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Beauty Ingredient Assessment (CIR). “Security Evaluation of Glycerin as Utilized in Cosmetics.” Last Report, 2016.
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Nationwide Heart for Biotechnology Data (2023). PubChem Compound Abstract for CID 753, Glycerol.
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Fluhr, J. W., et al. (2008). “Glycerol regulates stratum corneum hydration in sebaceous gland poor (asebia) mice.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
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Zheng, Y., et al. (2021). “Catalytic Valorization of Glycerol to Worth-Added Chemical compounds.” ChemSusChem.
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Worldwide Council for Harmonisation (ICH). “Guideline Q3D (R2) on Elemental Impurities.” (2022).





