Nowadays, many manufacturers of consumer goods include components of various origins in the composition of the latter. Not all of them are useful and sometimes even cause bewilderment for the end user.
For example, glycerin, for some reason, ended up in confectionery and bread, but at the same time, paints and varnishes and medicines are not made without it. How can the consumer understand the nuances of such universal components? What are they used for? What is their use for humans?
What is glycerin
The substance glycerol, or glycerol, 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 sweetish taste, is not a toxic substance, does not have toxic properties.
The composition of glycerin can be expressed as follows: C3H5(OH)3.
Properties of glycerin
Widethe use of glycerol is explained by its universal qualities:
- allows you to mix immiscible ingredients (chemical constituents);
- soluble in water;
- has softening properties;
- capable of retaining moisture;
- is an antiseptic;
- considered a natural preservative;
- can be annoying in a good way;
- highly hygroscopic.
Varieties of substance
The common use of glycerin is due to its species. It turns out that this substance is extracted from various raw materials and therefore is used in various areas of human life.
Thus, in modern industrial conditions, natural and non-natural glycerin is mined.
- 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 additive E422, called distilled glycerin, contains 99% of useful fatty compounds;
- pharmaceutical glycerol - diluted food glycerin, consists of 88% fat compounds and 12% chemical compounds.
Technical glycerol
Unnatural glycerin is included in the class of technical substances used in the non-food industry. It is a flammable substance, highly flammablechemical reagent.
Fields of application of glycerin: food industry
Food additive E422 is used in the food industry, in particular in the production of:
- baked goods;
- pastry;
- candy and jelly sweets;
- carbonated sweet, coffee, tea drinks;
- baby food;
- canned fruits and vegetables;
- hard dairy cheese products.
Glycerin, as an additional ingredient in the formulation of edible products, provides long shelf life of products.
It processes dried fruits, fresh vegetables and fruits. E422 prevents baked goods from becoming stale, making them airy and soft.
In addition, glycerin is a natural thickener and also a sugar substitute.
Drug production
Diluted E422 with additional substances used in production:
- rectal suppositories (laxative);
- drugs to treat 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.
Cosmetics industry
Glycerin of natural origin has found its application in cosmeceuticals. Every second hand and face cream, masks and gelscontain this substance. Glycerin allows you to saturate the skin with moisture and keep it in the upper layers of the epidermis for a long time, as well as provide 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 production:
- Paint products.
- Synthetic fabric bases.
- Technical machine oils.
- Synthetic detergents.
- Smol.
- Plastics.
- Gunpowder.
- Dynamite.
Does glycerin have an expiration date?
Glycerol, despite its many varieties, of course, has a certain range of temporary storage. The shelf life of glycerin is determined by GOST and instructions for use. Each type of glycerol has its own intended purpose, which should not have a negative impact on the environment and human he alth.
The expiration date of glycerin according to GOST of interstate significance is necessarily set by manufacturers whose products include this component. The average period of storage of gricerol does not exceed three years.
- The shelf life of pharmacy glycerin (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 oneof the year. Glycerin in medicines prepared by individual prescription in pharmacies can only be used for two weeks.
- The shelf life of food grade glycerin (pure) is five years in its pure raw form. Food products with the use of glycerin have their own terms regulated by manufacturers - from a couple of months to a year. Cosmetic products with glycerin can be stored for more than three years. Flavored e-liquids with glycerin - no more than a year.
- Technical glycerin can be stored for five years, chemical products with its content - more than fifteen years.
- The established expiration dates of glycerin according to GOST depend not only on the origin of the substance, but also on compliance with the rules for its proper storage. Namely: the quality of containers, the safety of storage facilities, temperature control and ventilation.
Expired: risks of use
Many e-cigarette smokers use flavored liquids with glycerin or propylene glycol to fill the latter. Often the question arises as to whether it is dangerous to use them after the expiration of the shelf life (12 months - 1 year). The shelf life of glycerin and propylene glycol is not the same. These are different components. After the expiration date of used products, which contain alcohol bases, there is always a risk of poisoning. Experiments can end badly, so be careful!
Cosmetic products - creams, mousses, shampoos, lotions, gels with glycerin, whose expiration date has expired, are also inappropriate to use. Otherwise, it may cause allergic reactions, feeling unwell.
Fresh glycerin in large and small quantities contained in food can also harm he alth, to say nothing of expired. The problem is especially relevant in the presence of chronic diseases of the internal organs and the cardiovascular system. Don't forget that glycerin has a limited shelf life!
Under no circumstances should you use medicines with glycerin if the expiration date is overdue by only a few days. We are talking about both external use and oral and rectal use.
But technical glycerin can be used without observing the restrictions on shelf life. For example, detergents and soapy substances can be used for cleaning rooms, the main thing is to avoid contact with the skin. It is better not to use engine oils with glycerin after the expiration date. As for gunpowder and dynamite, although the shelf life of these materials is very long, using them after its expiration is also highly discouraged.
If glycerin has passed its expiration date, it must be disposed of, as the instructions for use say. After all, manufacturers of trihydric alcohol and products with its content for a reason calculate the shelf life for them. Something to think about!
Possible analogues of glycerin: simplereplacement
Food glycerol in baking can be replaced with regular vegetable oil.
Pharmacy glycerin can be replaced with vaseline compounds, vegetable medicated oils.
Cosmetic - easily replaceable with urea.
Flavoured glycerol for e-cigars can be replaced with vegetable flavored oils.
Technical glycerin is being replaced with synthetic oil bases.
As you can see, glycerin is not a panacea for the twenty-first century. Of course, it has greatly simplified the life moments of modern people, but at the same time, if used incorrectly, it can harm their he alth.
When using this substance in nutrition, treatment, cosmetic care for appearance, you should always follow the recommendations of manufacturers regarding the correct storage and use of it.
Remember that the choice is always up to the end user. Be prudent in choosing products with its content! Each component included in the composition of industrial products must have a fundamental basis for widespread use.
