Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, Marks JG Jr, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Gill LJ, Heldreth B. Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2019 Nov/Dec;38(3_suppl):6S-22S. doi: 10.1177/1091581819883820. 

Abstract. This is a safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics. Glycerin functions as a denaturant, fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, humectant, oral care agent, oral health-care drug, skin protectant, skin conditioning agent-humectant, and viscosity-decreasing agent. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed relevant animal and human data. The Panel concluded that glycerin is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

Shinde S, Kabra NS, Sharma SR, Avasthi BS, Ahmed J. Glycerin suppository for promoting feeding tolerance in preterm very low birthweight neonates: a randomized controlled trial. Indian Pediatr. 2014 May;51(5):367-70. doi: 10.1007/s13312-014-0418-8.

Abstract. Objective: To compare the efficacy of glycerin suppository versus no suppository in preterm very-low-birthweight neonates for improving feeding tolerance....Conclusions: Once daily application of glycerin suppository does not accelerate the achievement of full feeds in preterm very-low-birthweight neonates.

Daehnhardt-Pfeiffer S, Surber C, Wilhelm KP, Daehnhardt D, Springmann G, Boettcher M, Foelster-Holst R. Noninvasive stratum corneum sampling and electron microscopical examination of skin barrier integrity: pilot study with a topical glycerin formulation for atopic dermatitis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012;25(3):155-61. doi: 10.1159/000336789.

Abstract. Introduction: Therapy of atopic dermatitis encloses use of medicated and nonmedicated preparations. Results of clinical and biophysical procedures indirectly describe the condition of the impaired skin barrier (SB). Direct evaluation of SB integrity is only possible by electron microscopical visualization, e.g. intercellular lipid lamellae (ICLL) organization of the stratum corneum.....Conclusions: The study reveals that morphometric analysis of ICLL organization is suitable to differentiate between healthy and diseased skin and to semiquantitatively determine the effect of a nonmedicated glycerin formulation. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Hanada K, Okuda D, Ogi R, Kojima S, Tsuruoka R, Shiota G. Ozonized glycerin (OG)-based cosmetic products lighten age spots on human facial skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Jul;21(7):3133-3139. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15002. 

Abstract. Background: Few cosmetic ingredients are shown to be able to safely remove or lighten facial dark spots once they have formed. OG has been reported to possess oxidation power and exhibit various biological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, and wound healing promotion. Aims: This study aimed to clarify the effects of OG on human skin, especially on age spots on the face....Conclusion: The result indicated that applications of OG formulations are safe and effective in lightening age spots on the facial skin. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Aoshima H, Miyagisnima A, Nozawa Y, Sadzuka Y, Sonobe T. Glycerin fatty acid esters as a new lubricant of tablets. Int J Pharm. 2005 Apr 11;293(1-2):25-34. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2004.12.007. 

Abstract. Lubrication properties were compared among glycerin fatty acid esters (Poem TR-FB and Poem TR-HB), magnesium stearate (Mg-St), and a sucrose fatty acid ester (RYOTO SUGAR ESTER S-370F: SSE). Granules containing 50% acetaminophen were prepared, and improvements in their fluidity by the lubricants were compared.  The lubricant effects of TR-FB and HB during tablet punching (pressure transmission ratio, ejection force) were similar to those of Mg-St and were better than those of SSE. When the lubricant content, mixing time, and tabletting pressure were changed, TR-FB and TR-HB provided better tablet hardness than Mg-St. TR-FB and TR-HB made tablets more disintegratable than Mg-St. When the effects of these lubricants on the stability of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) were compared, Mg-St promoted its hydrolysis, but TR-FB or TR-HB did not affect its stability.

Burns J, Stephens M. Palliative wound management: the use of a glycerine hydrogel. Br J Nurs. 2003 Mar;12(6 Suppl):S14-8. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2003.12.Sup1.11248. 

Abstract. This article describes the use of a topical glycerine hydrogel and the role it can play in the management of malignant fungating wounds. The value of the product is reviewed in two case studies. The authors accept that no significant statistical evidence can be offered from the case studies, but highlight the benefit of the product to the patient's quality of life.

Stout EI, McKessor A. Glycerin-Based Hydrogel for Infection Control. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2012 Feb;1(1):48-51. doi: 10.1089/wound.2011.0288. 

Abstract. Problem: Infection is a major problem in the health and wellbeing of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities as well as the homecare patients and the general public. According to Scientia Advisors, wound care costs the healthcare system over $7 billion in 2009. After adding the cost associated with potential complications such as infections, extended physician care, and lengthy hospital stays, the annual wound care expenditures well exceeded over $20 billion.1 There are 20 million reported cases of diabetes per year and more every day. Because of the fact that leg ulcers are the number one health problem of men coupled with the rise in drug resistance of infections, the importance of providing the professional and the public with relatively simple and affordable wound care is of extreme importance. Often the wounds can become chronic wounds, which then result in long-term nursing expense in time and supplies or, worse yet, can result in expensive amputations ranging from $5000 to $40,000 per patient......Indications for use: Elasto-Gel™ has been approved for all types of wounds, that is, pressure ulcers, acute and chronic wounds, diabetic wounds, traumatic wounds, dermatology wounds, cancer tumors, and first- and second-degree burns, to name a few. Because of the product's features and benefits, it may be used on a variety of wounds. Because of its padding properties, it may be also used as a preventative product over bony prominence areas so that wounds do not occur. The glycerin properties act as a skin substitute and may also be used for scar reduction. Caution: Elasto-Gel™ is not approved for third-degree burns as no dressing has been approved by the FDA for this type of wound.

Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Jul;159(1):23-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x.

Abstract. Glycerol is a trihydroxy alcohol that has been included for many years in topical dermatological preparations. In addition, endogenous glycerol plays a role in skin hydration, cutaneous elasticity and epidermal barrier repair. The aquaporin-3 transport channel and lipid metabolism in the pilosebaceous unit have been evidenced as potential pathways for endogenous delivery of glycerol and for its metabolism in the skin. Multiple effects of glycerol on the skin have been reported. The diverse actions of the polyol glycerol on the epidermis include improvement of stratum corneum hydration, skin barrier function and skin mechanical properties, inhibition of the stratum corneum lipid phase transition, protection against irritating stimuli, enhancement of desmosomal degradation, and acceleration of wound-healing processes. Even an antimicrobial effect has been demonstrated. Topical application of glycerol-containing products improves skin properties in diseases characterized by xerosis and impaired epidermal barrier function, such as atopic dermatitis. The increase of epidermal hydration by glycerol is critical in skin conditions aggravated by dry and cold environmental conditions, e.g. winter xerosis. This paper provides a review on effects of glycerol on the skin, the mechanisms of its action, and the potential applications of glycerol in dermatology.