Nowadays, many manufacturers of consumer goods include components of various origins in the latter. Not all of them are useful and sometimes even puzzling the end user.
For example, glycerin, for some merit, ended up in confectionery and bread, but at the same time, paints and varnishes, medicines cannot be made without it. How can the consumer understand the nuances of such universal components? What are they used for? What are their benefits to humans?
What is glycerin
The substance glycerol, or glycerin, or propanetriol is a trihydric alcohol. It is a viscous substance that does not have a specific aroma and pronounced color, is characterized by its characteristic sweet taste, is not a toxic substance, does not have toxic properties.
The composition of glycerol can be expressed by the following formula: C 3 H 5 (OH) 3.
Glycerol properties
The widespread use of glycerol is explained by its universal qualities:
- allows you to mix immiscible ingredients (chemical components);
- soluble in water;
- possesses emollient properties;
- able to retain moisture;
- is an antiseptic;
- considered a natural preservative;
- can be an irritant in a good way;
- possesses high hygroscopicity.
Varieties of matter
The widespread use of glycerin is explained by its types. It turns out that this substance is extracted from various raw materials and therefore is used in various spheres of human activity.
So, in modern industrial conditions, natural and non-natural glycerin is extracted.
- Natural - extract from raw materials of plant and animal origin.
- Unnatural or chemical - extract from propylene - combustible gas.
Natural glycerin
A substance extracted from vegetable and animal fats is classified into:
- food glycerin is a common food supplement E422, called distilled glycerin, contains 99% of beneficial fatty compounds;
- pharmacy glycerol - diluted food glycerin, consists of 88% fatty compounds and 12% chemical compounds.
Technical glycerol
Unnatural glycerin is enlisted in the class of technical substances used in the non-food industry. It is a combustible substance, highly flammable chemical reagent.
Scopes of glycerin: food industry
Food supplement E422 is used in the food industry, in particular, in the production of:
- bakery products;
- pastry baking;
- sweets and jelly sweets;
- carbonated sweet, coffee, tea drinks;
- baby food;
- canned fruits and vegetables;
- solid dairy cheese products.
Glycerin, as an additional ingredient in the formulation of edible products, provides long shelf life of products.
Dried fruits, fresh vegetables and fruits are processed by him. E422 does not allow bakery products to stale, makes them airy and soft.
In addition, glycerin is a natural thickener, as well as a substitute for sugar.
Drug manufacturing
Diluted E422 with additional substances is used in the production of:
- rectal suppositories (laxatives);
- medicines for treating the skin of the body with allergic reactions, redness, cuts, burns, fungal infections;
- drugs that restore the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract;
- antiseptic ointments and creams.
Cosmetic industry
Glycerin of natural origin found its application in cosmeceuticals. Every second hand and face cream, masks and gels contain this substance in its composition. Glycerin allows you to saturate the skin with moisture and hold it for a long time in the upper layers of the epidermis, as well as have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Glycerin is used in the production of foaming detergents, soaps, shampoos, balms.
Chemical industry
Technical glycerin is an excellent solvent, it is used in the production of:
- Paint and varnish production.
- Synthetic fabric basics.
- Technical engine oils.
- Detergent synthetic products.
- Resin
- Plastics.
- Gunpowder.
- Dynamite
Does glycerin have an expiration date?
Glycerol, in spite of many varieties, of course, has a certain framework for temporary storage. The shelf life of glycerin is determined by GOST and user manual. Each type of glycerol has its intended purpose, which should not have a negative impact on the environment and human health.
The shelf life of glycerin according to GOST of interstate importance must be established by manufacturers whose products include this component. The average storage period of gritserol does not exceed three years.
- The shelf life of pharmacy glycerol (diluted with impurities), according to the instructions for use, is no more than two years. Medicines containing glycerol are often stored for no more than one year. Glycerin in medicines that are prepared according to an individual prescription in pharmacies can be used only for two weeks.
- The shelf life of food (pure) glycerin is five years in its pure raw form. Glycerin-based food products have their own manufacturers-regulated timeframes - from a couple of months to a year. Cosmetic products with glycerin can be stored for more than three years. Flavored liquids for electronic cigarettes with glycerin - not more than a year.
- Technical glycerin can be stored for five years, chemical products with its content - more than fifteen years.
- The established shelf life of glycerin according to GOST depends not only on the origin of the substance, but also on compliance with the norms of its proper storage. Namely: the quality of packaging, the safety of storage facilities, exposure to temperature and ventilation conditions.
Expired: Risks of Use
Too many smokers of electronic cigarettes use flavored liquids with glycerin or propylene glycol to refuel the latter. Often the question arises as to whether it is dangerous to use them after the expiration of the storage period (12 months - 1 year). The shelf life of glycerol and propylene glycol varies. These are different components. After the expiration date of the used goods, which contain alcohol bases, there is always a risk of poisoning. Experiments can end badly, so be careful!
Cosmetics - creams, mousses, shampoos, lotions, gels with glycerin, the expiration date of which is out, is also inappropriate to use. Otherwise, it can cause allergic reactions, poor health.
Fresh glycerin in large and small quantities contained in food can also harm health, let alone expired. Particularly relevant is the problem with existing chronic diseases of the internal organs and the cardiovascular system. Do not forget that the shelf life of glycerin is limited!
In no case should you take medicine with glycerin if the expiration date is only a few days overdue. We are talking about both external use and oral and rectal use.
But technical glycerin can be used without observing the limitations on shelf life. For example, detergents and soapy substances can be used for cleaning rooms, the main thing is to prevent contact with skin. It is better not to use machine oils with glycerin after the expiration date. As for gunpowder and dynamite, the shelf life of these materials, although very long, is also not recommended to use them after its expiration.
If glycerol has expired, it must be disposed of, as the instructions for use say. After all, manufacturers of trihydric alcohol and products with its content are not without reason calculating shelf life for them. Should think about it!
Possible glycerine analogues: simple replacement
Edible glycerol in the preparation of baking can be completely replaced with ordinary vegetable oil.
Pharmaceutical glycerin can be replaced with vaseline formulations, vegetable healing oils.
Cosmetic - easy to replace with urea.
Flavored glycerol for electronic cigars can be replaced with vegetable flavored oils.
Technical glycerin is replaced with synthetic oil bases.
As you can see, glycerin is not a panacea for the twenty-first century. Of course, he greatly simplified the vital moments of modern people, but at the same time, if used incorrectly, it can harm their health.
When using this substance in nutrition, treatment, and cosmetic care for the appearance, it is always necessary to adhere to the recommendations of manufacturers regarding the correctness of its storage and use.
Remember that the choice always remains with the end user. Be prudent in choosing products with their contents! Each component included in industrial products must have fundamental foundations for widespread use.