Expanding Roles Across Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Food

Refined glycerine 99.7% USP/BP, a highly pure, colorless, and odorless liquid derived from vegetable oils, has become an essential component across a wide range of industries. With its exceptional purity, stability, and multi-functionality, this oleochemical plays a critical role in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food applications. In pharmaceuticals, refined glycerine is used as a humectant, solvent, lubricant, and preservative, particularly in products such as cough syrups, suppositories, ointments, and oral medications. Its moisture retention properties and ability to enhance drug delivery make it a preferred choice for safe and effective formulations.

In the cosmetics and personal care sector, glycerine is equally indispensable. Acting as both an emollient and humectant, it improves texture and hydration, ensuring skin creams, lotions, shampoos, and even toothpastes deliver long-lasting softness and stability. Meanwhile, in the food industry, glycerine serves as a sweetener, humectant, and solvent for flavors and colors. Its application extends to candies, baked goods, and beverages, where it not only enhances product texture but also extends shelf life. Notably, 40% of global glycerine demand comes from the food and beverages sector, while another 30% is directed toward polyglycerol esters, commonly used for food emulsification and shortening.

"Trusted partners in palm-based supply chains, such as Tradeasia International, are helping global manufacturers bridge demand and sustainability goals by ensuring reliable access to refined glycerine and other oleochemicals." This partnership-driven approach underlines how consistent raw material access is crucial for industries seeking quality and compliance at scale.

Market Growth Driven by Asia-Pacific and Rising Consumer Demand

The pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors are experiencing strong upward momentum, supported by growing consumer preference for high-quality, natural ingredients. Rising demand for safe pharmaceutical excipients and effective skincare solutions continues to fuel glycerine’s relevance. Concrete applications include its role as a humectant preventing dehydration in topical formulations, as an excipient ensuring drug stability, and as a precursor for emulsifiers like mono- and diglycerides in food production.

Looking ahead, the market outlook for mid-2025 remains highly promising. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to sustain its dominant supply position, supported by abundant vegetable oil feedstock and robust production capacities. This regional strength ensures a reliable foundation for global manufacturers across pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics, where consistent demand growth is anticipated. With its versatility and proven performance, refined glycerine 99.7% USP/BP stands as a cornerstone of modern industrial value chains, balancing both functionality and commercial growth potential.

 

Sources:

  1. Palm Chemicals-related and oleochemicals Asia sources with product and application info - https://www.palm-chemicals.com/

  2. General information on refined glycerine applications and industry usage - https://www.oliviaoleo.com/applications-of-refined-glycerine-99-7-usp-grade.html

  3. Market outlook and dynamics including demand, production capacity, and regional data -https://www.vancebioenergy.com/product_glycerine.php