Food grade glycerin (E422)

The purpose of our review is to understand what it is food grade glycerin, and consider the main properties of the food additive E422.

Glycerol: molecule structure

Glycerin is a fairly well-known substance among people due to its applicability in various fields (in the food industry, for cosmetic purposes, for medical purposes, in chemical production, etc.). A common name for glycerin is also the word "glycerol"

, and in the food industry - food additive
E422 .
From a chemical point of view, glycerin (glycerol) is a representative of trihydric alcohols; its chemical formula: C3H8O3

(see the figure for the structure of the glycerol molecule).

Externally, glycerin (glycerol) is a transparent, colorless, hygroscopic syrup-like liquid with a sweet taste and a weak characteristic odor.

It is rarely found in nature in a free state, but is common in the form of a component: glycerol plays the role of the main component of triglycerides in vegetable oil and animal fats.

Glycerin is produced by saponification of natural glycerides palmitic, stearic and oleic acids, or synthetically from propylene.

Why is Glycerin dangerous?

The content of the article

Glycerin is used in various fields. It is popular in the chemical, food, cosmetics and other industries. Is there any harm from Glycerin? A substance does not always bring only benefits. The substance can be dangerous if it enters the respiratory tract when using odorous products, cigarettes (electronic). Glycerin can have a negative effect on the skin when used externally. The substance can cause harm to the human body if ingested.

How is it used in cosmetology and how is it useful?

The use of glycerin in cosmetology is explained by the fact that, as part of skin care products, this component effectively moisturizes the skin, eliminating dryness, flaking and evening out its color. Thanks to its saturation with nutrients, it allows you to get noticeable and fairly quick results.

However, we should not forget that for all its beneficial properties, glycerin is a rather aggressive chemical.

Incorrect use of a component can lead to extremely negative consequences, in particular:

Using the substance in its pure form to enhance the effect can lead to diametrically opposite consequences: the skin loses moisture, as a result of which it becomes overdried.
Interaction with silicone gives the composition dangerous properties that can cause harm to health.
When used in soap, it can cause excessive lightening of the skin (up to several tones).

In order to minimize all possible risks, it is necessary to take into account all the specific features of the substance and the rules for its use.

For skin

The substance has the following effects on the skin:

The use of glycerin is indicated for the occurrence of wrinkles and signs of aging in general.
Cleanses pores and frees layers of skin from impurities.
Glycerin can be used for problem skin.
The substance enhances the regenerative properties of the skin, allowing it to recover from damage and microtrauma.
Suitable for use on burns, insect bites, etc.

In order to maximize the benefits brought by cosmetics to the skin, it is necessary to use glycerin, observing all precautions.

In particular:

Before use, glycerin is diluted with regular filtered or rose water.
Apply a mask or tonic to the face in strictly required quantities, in no case exceeding the recommended dosage. It is also highly undesirable to overexpose the composition to the skin.
Since after masks of this type the skin may become excessively sticky, it is undesirable to perform such procedures before leaving the house: street dust may stick to it.

After using glycerin for the first time, your skin may feel waterlogged or sticky. However, this goes away over time. Considering that in some cases the use of this component can lead to dry skin, it is advisable to limit or completely abandon its use in winter.

For hair

The benefit of glycerin cosmetics for hair is that it allows you to:

Make hair more manageable and soft.
Eliminate dandruff.
Achieve a soft lightening of strands by several tones.
Prevent split ends.
Make it easier to comb and style.
Accelerate hair growth and improve its quality.
Can soften the effects on the scalp of aggressive ingredients such as red pepper, ginger, onion

What explains this impact? Once inside the hair, glycerin oxidizes, forming water and carbon dioxide. As a result, not only the hair is moisturized, but also cleansed of toxins.

However, just as in the case of skin care cosmetics, hair products should be used taking precautions and following useful tips:

Glycerin for hair is not used in its pure form. It is acceptable to combine it with Vaseline or lanolin. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in irritation or inflammation.
Treatment must be carried out in courses, with breaks between them. Otherwise, the drug may cause rashes.
As in many other cases, a contraindication to the use of masks is individual intolerance to the components or allergic reactions.
To achieve optimal results, apply masks to slightly damp hair. A light massage can also enhance the effect of the procedure.
The mask is distributed evenly along the entire length.
Considering that the beneficial properties of the substance are enhanced in warmth, it is advisable to wrap your head in a plastic bag or towel. It is best to keep the mask on for 15 to 35 minutes.
For severe problems (excessive hair stiffness, tangles), masks can be done 2-3 times a week. For preventive purposes, it is enough to use the mask once a week.

Characteristics of the substance

Glycerin is a substance related to alcohols. The product is in the form of a liquid. The glycerin solution is odorless and has a sweet taste. The drug perfectly attracts water, which ensures its ability to dissolve in water. The drug is produced using a chemical reaction in production from animal and plant materials.

Glycerol can be used in the production of chemicals (paints). It is added to food (confectionery) and drinks (alcoholic). In the pharmaceutical industry, glycerol is needed for the production of medicines. Glycerol is included in the components of e-cigarette cartridges. Glycerin may be contained in cosmetics (masks, creams, tonics).

The use of glycerin for facial skin, contraindications, recipes - here

Glycerin face masks - amazing results after the first procedures!

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How to prepare and use a unique glycerin cream?
Author: Yaromila Volkova. This is a quote from this post

Glycerin cream for your youth! How to prepare and use a unique glycerin cream?

Glycerin in the food industry

Harm to the body from Glycerin when consumed. Glycerin is often added to foods. It has its own code in the classification of food additives and flavor enhancers - E422. It is used as a stabilizer, product thickening agent, and sweetener. Glycerol is often found in cakes, cakes, dairy products, jams and preserves. Glycerol can be added to cookies, chocolate, pies, pies, and baked goods.

Is Glycerin harmful? With regular consumption of products containing glycerin, over time the patient's blood flow in organs and tissues worsens. In addition, the substance is dangerous for the deterioration of kidney function. When purchasing confectionery products, as well as alcoholic beverages, be sure to read the composition of the product. If the product contains glycerin (E422), then it is better to avoid using it. If you can’t give up dangerous foods, you can reduce the amount of food you consume.

If you consume large amounts of products containing glycerin, dehydration may occur . This is especially dangerous for patients taking diuretics. Glycerin removes fluid from the body. At the same time, the blood begins to thicken and flows worse through the vessels.

Changes in blood rheology lead to circulatory disorders. Blood flow in the brain and heart changes. Poor nutrition of the brain can cause memory impairment and dizziness. A lack of blood supply to the heart is dangerous due to the appearance of arrhythmias and other vascular pathologies.

When dehydrated, the kidneys suffer. They also begin to receive less blood. Diuresis (urine production) decreases. In patients with chronic renal pathologies, exacerbations occur more often.

Glycerin for diabetic patients is dangerous due to the development of a complicated course of the disease. If a diabetic patient begins to consume large amounts of glycerin-containing foods, their sugar levels may increase. Hyperglycemia does not appear immediately. It begins to increase gradually. At the slightest violation of diet or treatment, the patient may develop hyperglycemic coma. If emergency assistance is not provided in a timely manner, the patient may die.

Controversy surrounding dietary supplements

There are many conflicting claims surrounding these substances. For example, someone believes that all additives are artificial and therefore dangerous. There is an opinion that they should be completely excluded from the composition of products. However, these allegations are unfounded.

Firstly, food additives can be either artificially synthesized or of natural origin. This division does not mean that unnatural substances are dangerous to health. For several decades, an expert commission has been working in Russia and Western countries to regulate the legality of using certain additives. Its main task is to collect up-to-date information about all the properties of components and adjust the list of substances permitted in the food industry. There is also an internationally recognized designation system for all additives, in which they are assigned individual indexes.

Cosmetics industry

Glycerin began to be used in cosmetology in the 20th century. There are 2 types of substance.

Types of glycerin:

Food grade – extracted from vegetable oils, which are relatively safe.
Technical – produced from petroleum derivatives.

Is Glycerin dangerous? Food grade glycerin is safe. The technical type of substance causes great harm to the human body. In cosmetology, glycerin is used to produce creams, lotions and others. Masks and creams help rejuvenate the skin and increase turgor. The substance has no negative effects. When using creams with glycerin, the harm from it can only be the occurrence of allergies.

Glycerin is often added to soap . If there is a high concentration of the substance in the soap, moisture loss from the skin is possible. This is dangerous due to the appearance of peeling and dehydration of the skin.

External products with glycerin should not be used for a long time. This is dangerous due to the appearance of irritation on the skin. In order to avoid an allergic reaction, preparations with glycerin should first be applied to the skin of the wrist. You need to wait a day for a reaction. If allergies do not appear, the cream or mass can be applied to the skin of the face. You should not use glycerin preparations if you have inflammatory skin diseases. This is dangerous due to the appearance of complications, swelling.

For dark circles under the eyes

Bags under the eyes are a problem that most people face. It usually occurs with frequent lack of sleep, stress, and chronic diseases. To remove them, it is not at all necessary to purchase expensive creams. At home you can make masks based on glycerin:

Recipe 1. Pour milk over oatmeal, combine with 1 tsp. glycerin. Apply the finished mixture to the area around the eyes while warm.
Recipe 2. Combine glycerin and castor oil in equal proportions (20 ml each). Add a little myrtle essential oil to the composition. Place in a dark glass jar and store for no longer than 10 days. Apply to the eye area daily.
Recipe 3. Combine 2 tbsp. l. banana pulp with 10 ml glycerin. Keep the mask in the area under the eyes for about 20 minutes. Remove with a cotton pad soaked in micellar water.

Production of electronic cigarettes

Why is Glycerin dangerous in the production of cigarettes? The main element of an electronic cigarette is a card reader, which has liquid content. When this element is heated, steam is generated from the liquid. This vapor is inhaled by the person who smokes.

One of the components of the liquid substance is glycerin . In addition to it, the cartridge contains nicotine, propylene glycol, flavorings, methyl, and acids of organic origin. Propylene glycol is necessary for the rapid absorption of nicotine molecules. It can provoke allergies.

Is there any harm from Glycerin? Glycerin in the composition of an electronic cigarette during smoking is dangerous due to loss of fluid . It captures water molecules. When you exhale steam, the liquid leaves the body along with glycerin vapor. Loss of fluid also leads to dry mouth. It may also have a carcinogenic effect on the body.

A smoker always has a small amount of mucus in his lungs. Since glycerin takes water from the bronchial mucosa and the sputum itself, the mucus becomes viscous. The cough is unproductive. Sputum sticks to the walls and is difficult to cough up. If a smoking patient has a mild degree of asthma, then an electronic cigarette is dangerous for him by causing an asthmatic attack.

Since glycerin and other components of an electronic cigarette strongly irritate the mucous membrane of the pharynx, laryngeal edema may develop. Excessive use of electronic cigarettes is dangerous for the development of laryngeal stenosis. This condition requires emergency care, as the airways are completely blocked by swelling. This phenomenon occurs much more often in adolescents than in adults.

Glycerol, when heated strongly, releases a very harmful carcinogen - acrolein. The substance irritates the bronchial mucosa and eyes. It has a very unpleasant smell. Doctors consider acrolein to be the most carcinogenic factor. Getting this element into the lungs is dangerous for the development of lung cancer.

Properties of propylene glycol

The US Food and Drug Safety Administration has officially confirmed that daily intake of the substance in the equivalent of 23 mg per 1 kg of human weight is a safe ratio for the population aged 20-65 years, and it is unrealistic to get toxic poisoning.

Each of us, without even thinking about it, uses propylene glycol daily. We encounter it when using shampoo, toothpaste or deodorant. The substance is also included in some food products. You can recognize it on the label by code E1520. Some medications - inhalers and intravenous agents, widely used in medicine, contain it in their composition.

Propylene glycol is used even more actively in the tobacco industry, namely in the production of cigarettes and cigars, to maintain the moisture content of tobacco.

Why is glycerin harmful to the lungs and the human body?

Most foods consumed by humans contain a wide variety of flavoring and aromatic additives. Electronic cigarettes are no exception - their aromatic base contains not only purified nicotine, but also glycerin.

Researchers say that vaping glycerin can replace a smoker’s favorite cigarettes, and at the same time almost cleanse the lungs, which is why the number of people interested in the question of the dangers and benefits of this substance is only increasing.

Glycerin composition

Glycerin (labeled E422) is a food additive. In appearance, it is a colorless and rather thick liquid with a sweetish taste. Despite the fact that the presence of additives labeled “E” usually raises suspicions about the quality, you don’t have to worry about this – the element is officially approved in absolutely all countries, and it has been used in the food industry for quite a long time.

But here we are talking about food additives, what then can be said about glycerin in electronic cigarettes and do its vapors settle in the lungs? From a chemical point of view, the substance is a trihydric alcohol that easily mixes with water and dissolves many compounds. It is derived from animal fats, so it is not entirely clear what effects it may have on humans.

Price and reviews

You can buy glycerin at any pharmacy at a price of 150 rubles per bottle.

In order to choose a truly high-quality drug, you need to pay attention to the following features:

Preparation method. Depending on the manufacturing method, natural and synthetic glycerin are distinguished. The first one has more useful properties and is safer to use
Degree of purification. It is best to give preference to a substance with a purity degree of at least 99.5%.

Reviews:

Oksana:

I used glycerin masks to grow long hair and increase its thickness. I saw noticeable results within two months. But! I want to warn you right away - the principle “more is better” does not work here! Excessive amounts of glycerin can dry out your hair. But by using it in moderation, you can achieve weighty results.

Catherine:

I smear my face with a mixture of glycerin and vitamin E, leave the resulting composition overnight and am very pleased. The pores have noticeably narrowed, the skin has become several tones lighter. I recommend!

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