Glycerol: Humectant, Solvent, and Multifunctional Excipient
Glycerol (glycerin) is a simple trihydric alcohol that is one of the most widely used excipients in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food formulations. Its combination of humectant properties, co-solvent ability, sweetness, and excellent safety profile makes it indispensable across oral, topical, and parenteral dosage forms.
Product Profile
| CAS Number | 56-81-5 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₈O₃ |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid |
| Function | Humectant / co-solvent / plasticizer / sweetener / tonicity agent |
| Typical Use Level | 2–30% depending on application and dosage form |
| Compendial Grade | EP / USP-NF / JP |
Formulation Applications
In oral formulations, glycerol serves as a co-solvent (typically 5–30%) for poorly water-soluble drugs and as a sweetening and viscosity-building agent in syrups and elixirs. In topical products, it is a humectant at 2–15% that draws moisture from the dermis to the epidermis; at concentrations above ~30%, it can paradoxically cause skin drying under low-humidity conditions. Glycerol is used as a plasticizer in film-coating formulations (typically 5–20% of polymer weight) and as a tonicity agent in parenteral preparations. In suppositories, glycerol itself acts as a mild osmotic laxative. It is miscible with water and ethanol, immiscible with oils, and compatible with nearly all pharmaceutical excipients.
Why Source from TCS
TCS supplies glycerol in pharmaceutical, food, and technical grades to customers across Europe. Available in standard packaging with flexible quantities for R&D through production scale. Contact us with your application and volume requirements.
FAQ
What information should be included in an inquiry for Glycerol –56-81-5?
A useful inquiry normally includes the product name, target application, estimated quantity, destination market, and any specific documentation or packaging requests.
How is Glycerol –56-81-5 usually evaluated for sourcing?
This product is positioned for excipient sourcing where formulation fit, dosage form, handling, and repeat purchasing requirements need to be reviewed together with commercial supply conditions.
What documentation and commercial points are commonly reviewed before buying Glycerol –56-81-5?
For excipient sourcing, teams usually discuss the intended dosage form, formulation role, packaging format, order volume, and the routine documentation needed for qualification and purchasing.
Request a Quote
If your team already has a target application, estimated quantity, destination market, or documentation requirements, send those details so the commercial response can be prepared more efficiently.