What is glycerin?

Glycerin, or glycerol, is a thick, odorless, colorless liquid that is often found as part of pharmaceuticals. Glycerin also tastes sweet and, in most cases, is safe to consume.

One of its qualities is that it can pull water out of the air, or is hygroscopic. It can be used as a skin softener when diluted with water. It can also be dissolved in alcohol. Glycerin itself can be used as a solvent, as many substances will dissolve into it more easily that they will in alcohol or water. While glycerin is manufactured synthetically, it is also a by-product of soap making. Glycerin is also used in the manufacture of the explosive nitroglycerin.