Everything you need to know about Glycerine

Glycerine has a long history dating back to 1779 when the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele first discovered it. He produced it by heating a mixture of olive oil and lead monoxide. Glycerine was later produced commercially in the 19th century as a by-product of soap manufacturing. The early applications of glycerine were mainly for use in foods, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.

Picture this: applying a luxurious lotion leaves your skin dewy and soft. Or popping a chewy candy or admiring the gleaming finish on your car, sparkling under the sun.

Now, what connects these seemingly disparate experiences? The answer is glycerin.

Glycerine, or glycerol, is a simple polyol compound with a colourless, odourless, viscous liquid consistency. The terms glycerine and glycerol are often used interchangeably to refer to the same chemical compound.

This chemical compound has widespread applications across many industries, including:

Skincare and Personal Care

Food and Beverages

Pharmaceuticals
Tobacco production
Industrial processes

The versatility of glycerine stems from its unique chemical properties that make it extensively useful across formulations. Glycerine’s growth has steadily risen due to the increasing demand from diverse industries. This diverse ingredient is crucial in the making of several products.

Join us as we uncover the humble beginnings of this wonder and understand its varied applications, benefits, and so much more.

Chemical Properties of Glycerine

Glycerine is an organic compound with the molecular formula C3H8O3. Its chemical structure is a three-carbon backbone with three hydroxyl groups attached, making it a trihydroxy sugar alcohol.

Glycerine is a viscous, colourless, and odourless liquid at room temperature. It is highly soluble in water and has a sweet taste. Some critical physical properties of glycerne include:

Molecular weight: 92.09 g/mol
Density: 1.261 g/cm3
Melting point: 18 °C
Boiling point: 290 °C
Viscosity: 1.412 Pa.s at 20°C
Refractive index: 1.4731
Miscibility: Miscible in water, alcohols, acetic acid

Glycerine has the chemical formula C3H5(OH)3. Its hydroxyl groups make it hygroscopic and highly soluble in water. It has a wide range of applications owing to its unique physical and chemical properties.

Manufacturing Glycerine

Glycerine is primarily produced as a by-product during soap manufacturing, where triglycerides (fats and oils) react with alkali hydroxides, producing crude glycerol and salts. The crude glycerol is then purified to yield commercial-grade glycerine.

Raw materials

The primary raw materials for manufacturing glycerine are natural fats like palm oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, and animal fats like tallow. The type of raw material impacts the quality. Vegetable oils typically produce a higher grade than animal fats. The raw materials undergo pretreatment steps like degumming and neutralisation before saponification.

Production process

There are batch and continuous production processes for glycerine manufacturing. In the batch process, the triglyceride mixes with alkali in a pressure vessel at temperatures 120-150°C, producing crude glycerol. In the continuous process, the triglyceride and alkali are pumped continuously through a series of reactors at temperatures 220-270°C at pressures 20-40 bar. The constant process allows higher production volumes.

After saponification, the crude glycerol is separated and then purified. Purification involves removing residual salts, matter organic non-glycerol matter, and water. Common methods include vacuum distillation, ion-exchange resins, membrane filtration, and chemical treatments. Distillation produces the highest grade. The refined glycerol is tested to ensure it meets quality specifications.

Quality standards

Glycerine is produced in different grades, such as crude, commercial, and dynamically refined. Crude glycerol contains 60-90% actual glycerol. Commercial or dynamite glycerol refers to semi-refined glycerine that is around 90% pure. The highest grade is dynamically refined glycerol, reaching 99.7% purity. The grades differ based on the amount of residual salts, water, and organic non-glycerol matter. It is tested as per standards like the Unites States Pharmacopeia and Food Chemical Codex monographs, which specify requirements for glycerol content, chloride and sulfate salts, metals, and other parameters.

Glycerine for Skincare

Glycerine is a popular ingredient in many skincare products due to its natural humectant properties that provide numerous benefits for skin health and appearance.

Benefits for Skin

Glycerine helps skin retain moisture and restore hydration. When applied to the skin, glycerne draws water from the air and deeper layers of the skin to keep the surface moisturized. This provides an immediate plumping effect that makes skin look smoother and softer. Glycerne can penetrate skin deeper than some humectants to provide longer-lasting hydration.

Glycerine’s moisturizing properties also make it helpful for treating dry, flaky skin conditions like eczema. The humectant effects protect the skin and relieve itching and irritation. Glycerine’s anti-inflammatory properties further soothe the skin.
In addition, glycerine functions as an emollient by filling the spaces between skin cells to make them feel softer and appear smoother. It helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
Due to its hydrating and anti-inflammatory effects, glycerne assists with minor wound healing, burns, cuts, etc. It can quicken healing time and reduce the appearance of scars.

Glycerine Soap

Glycerine is commonly use in soapmaking. It gives soap moisturizing properties that leave skin feeling soft and smooth after washing rather than dry and tight. Glycerne soaps typically have a clear, translucent appearance.

The humectant properties of glycerne prevent moisture loss from frequent handwashing. Glycerine soap is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin conditions. It cleanses effectively without stripping the skin’s natural oils.

Glycerine for Skin Whitening

Glycerine is considered a natural skin lightener because it can remove dead skin cells through exfoliation. This gradually unveils brighter and more even-toned skin.

Glycerine’s hydrating properties also plump up the skin to make dark spots and blemishes less noticeable. When used over time, glycerne may help inhibit melanin production to prevent further darkening.

However, glycerine is very mild compare to chemical whitening agents. While it can help gently brighten dull complexions, dramatic skin lightening is unlikely.

Glycerine and Rose Water

Rose water and glycerine are commonly use together in skincare formulations and recipes for their moisturising and soothing properties. Here are some of the key benefits and uses of glycerine and rose water:

Moisturising: Glycerine is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin and helps retain hydration. When combined with rose water, which also provides hydration, the mixture can give an extra moisture boost to dry skin. This makes it ideal for dehydrated skin types.

Soothing Irritation: Both glycerine and rose water have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help calm irritated or sensitive skin. Using them together enhances these calming effects.

Improving Skin Texture: Glycerne acts as an emollient, softening skin and filling in cracks between skin cells. Mixed with rose water, it can help smooth rough patches and give skin a more even, supple texture.

Refreshing and Balancing: Rose water has an elegant floral scent and antioxidant benefits that refresh tired skin. It also helps balance and tone the complexion. Adding glycerine boosts hydration for an energising, brightening effect.

Versatile Ingredients: Glycerne and rose water blend well in various DIY skincare formulations, including cleansers, toners, serums, creams, masks, and mists. They are suitable for all skin types.

Simple Glycerine and Rose Water Recipe

– 1 tablespoon glycerine

– 1/4 cup rose water

Mix ingredients in a small spray bottle or container. Apply to clean skin with a cotton pad or simply spritz and pat in. Use morning and night for a gentle, hydrating toner.

Soothing Skin Mask recipe:

– 1 tablespoon glycerine

– 2 tablespoons rose water

– 1 teaspoon bentonite clay

Mix ingredients to form a spreadable paste. Apply evenly on clean skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10-15 minutes until dry, then rinse off. Soothes and hydrates skin wonderfully.

Moisturising Facial Mist recipe:

– 1/3 cup rose water

– 1 tablespoon glycerine

– 5-10 drops essential oil (optional for scent)

Combine in a spray bottle and shake well to blend. Mist over the face and neck as desired for an instant moisture boost. Store in the fridge for a cooling, soothing effect.

Applications of Glycerine

Food Applications

Glycerine is widely use in the food industry as an additive to improve the texture, sweetness, and moisture retention in various foods. Here are some critical uses of glycerine in foods:

Baked Goods – Adding small amounts of glycerine helps retain moisture in items like cakes, cookies, and breads, keeping them soft and preventing them from drying out too quickly. This helps extend their shelf life.

Candy Production – Glycerine is added during candy making to help bind ingredients together and act as a plasticiser. This gives candies a smooth, non-brittle texture.

Icings and Frostings – Glycerine prevents icings and frostings from hardening and drying out by retaining moisture. It gives them a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Beverages – Minimal amounts can enhance the body and texture of beverages.

Meat Products – Glycerine is used as a humectant in meat processing to keep meats moist and tender. It maintains the moisture content during freezing and storage.

Low-Fat Foods – With its moisture retention properties, glycecne can replace fats in low-fat foods while maintaining a juicy, satisfying texture.

Sugar Substitute – Since glycerine is 60-70% as sweet as sucrose, it can replace sugar in products while partially adding humectant properties.

So, in summary, glycerine improves many foods’ taste, moisture, shelf life and texture profile. Its versatile functionality makes glycerine a widely used food additive.

Industrial Applications

Glycerine has various uses in various industries beyond personal care and food applications. Some of the major industrial applications of glycerine include:

Manufacturing Explosives, Antifreeze and More

Glycerine is commonly used to produce explosives such as nitroglycerin and dynamite. It acts as a stabiliser and gelatinizer in explosives.

It is a crucial ingredient for automobiles and other machinery antifreeze fluids. Glycerine lowers the freezing point of water and prevents damage from freezing.

Glycerine is used to manufacture urethane polymers for flexible and rigid foams use in mattresses, insulation panels, cushions, etc.

It makes surfactants for detergents, cleaners and personal care products.

Glycerine is used to produce alkyd resins used in paints and coatings. It serves as a plasticiser.

It finds applications in the pharmaceutical industry, drugs, cough syrups, etc.

Polymer Production

Glycerine is a versatile feedstock for producing a variety of polymers and biochemicals through microbial fermentation.

It can be used to make 1,3-propanediol, which is further used to manufacture polyesters, polyurethanes and other polymers.

Glycerine is also used to produce epichlorohydrin, a compound in epoxy resins.

Other Industrial Applications

Glycerine serves as a humectant and softener in tobacco products.

It is used in the cement industry as a grinding aid to reduce energy costs in clinker production.

Glycerine finds applications in the paper industry to soften and lubricate paper.

It is used in hydraulic fluids and lubricants as a viscosity stabiliser.

Glycerine produces acrylic fibres and plastics like cell casting, extrusion and injection moulding.

It is used as a solvent in gravure printing processes.

Global Glycerine Market

The global glycerine market reached an estimated 4.9 million metric tons in 2022. Asia Pacific is the largest market, accounting for around 51% of global production.

The leading glycerine producers are in China, Malaysia, and Indonesia (where biodiesel production generates glycerine as a by-product). Wilmar International is the top glycerine producer, producing 1.2 million metric tons annually. Other major companies include Godrej Industries, Kao Corporation and Procter & Gamble.

Global glycerine prices have increased from around $600 per ton in 2010 to over $800 per ton in 2022. Prices tend to fluctuate based on supply and demand dynamics. Periods of high biodiesel production lead to oversupply and lower costs for crude glycerine.

The market projects to reach 6.5 million metric tons by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5%. Demand for personal care, food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications drives growth. Asia Pacific will likely remain the central production hub, while Europe and North America account for significant consumption.

African Glycerine Market

The African glycerine market has grown steadily in recent years due to increased demand from various industries.

Some major glycerine producers in Africa include companies based in South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria. South Africa is the largest producer on the continent, with major companies like Sasol and Natref operating large refineries that generate glycerine as a by-product.

Egypt and Morocco also have an established glycerine industry supplying to local consumer markets. In Nigeria, small to medium-sized producers meet local industrial demand for glycerine.

Overall consumption is highest in Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa respectively. These countries have well-developed manufacturing sectors that utilise glycerine.

South Africa is a net exporter of glycerine to Europe and Asia. Egypt and Morocco cater mainly to domestic markets while importing some quantities from Gulf countries. Nigeria’s production meets 70% of local glycerine demand while importing the rest.

The pandemic caused some decline in 2020, but the African glycerine market projects to grow at 4-6% CAGR over the next five years. With increased investment and capacity, the region can become self-sufficient in meeting its glycerne needs.

Nigerian Glycerine Market Overview

Nigeria’s glycerine market holds significant potential for domestic production and export. Here is an overview of the market dynamics:

Domestic Production

Nigeria has a nascent domestic glycerne production base, with few facilities focused on extracting it as a by-product from palm oil, soybean oil and other vegetable oils.

Local production is estimated at 5,000-10,000 metric tons annually, meeting only a fraction of domestic demand.

Critical challenges for local producers include a lack of advanced technology, small economies of scale, high energy costs and competition from imported glycerine.

Investments in improved extraction processes and capacity expansion can help boost Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in glycerine.

Major Buyers/Sectors

The main buyers are consumer goods manufacturers like soaps, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, tobacco products, etc.

There is also institutional demand from industries like paints, textiles, paper, rubber, food processing, etc.

Nigeria imports the majority of its glycerne to meet local demand. The top sources are Asia and Europe.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths: Large domestic market, established end-user industries, availability of feedstocks like palm oil.

Weaknesses: Low production volumes, lack of technical expertise, high costs.

Opportunities: Import substitution, rising consumer sectors, strategic location for exports.

Threats: Competition from imports, lack of infrastructure, and policy limitations.

Overall, Nigeria has strong prospects in glycerine production and trade, if strategic investments can develop the value chain sustainably. Targeted policy support and public-private partnerships are key to the industry’s growth.

Wrapping up

We’ve delved into the world of glycerin, uncovering its remarkable versatility. From humble beginnings as a byproduct, it has become an essential ingredient in everyday life, a silent partner in our journey towards health, cleanliness, and even artistic expression.

But this exploration is not merely about a single compound. It’s a testament to the boundless potential within us, within Africa.

Like glycerin, Africa can transform via our ingenuity and resourcefulness and become masterful solutions for a brighter future.

At Matta, we believe in the power of knowledge. By sharing stories like this, we aim to illuminate the hidden potential within everyday materials. We want to empower Africans to see the opportunities surrounding them, turn challenges into triumphs, and build a future brimming with possibilities.

This is our commitment at Matta, and it’s a commitment we share with you. Let’s keep learning, exploring, and building a sweeter future together.

With warm wishes and a commitment to continuous learning,

The Matta Team.