glycerolfree

Glycerolfree is a designation used for products formulated without glycerol (also called glycerin). Glycerol is a simple polyol commonly used as a humectant, solvent, thickener, and sweetener in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, personal care items, foods and beverages, medicines, and some industrial formulations.

The glycerolfree label indicates that no glycerol appears in the ingredient list. Manufacturers may choose glycerolfree formulations for various reasons, such as altering texture or moisture retention, avoiding the effects of glycerol’s hygroscopic nature, or meeting consumer preferences or sensitivities. Glycerol can cause a laxative effect at higher oral doses, and some users may seek products that do not contain glycerol for this or other personal reasons.

Industry contexts vary in how glycerolfree is applied. In cosmetics and skincare, removing glycerol can affect humectancy and stickiness, potentially changing how a product feels on the skin. In foods and beverages, glycerolfree products rely on alternative humectants, sweeteners, or solvents. In pharmaceuticals, excipients may be substituted with glycerolfree alternatives to suit specific formulation needs. In vaping and aerosol products, glycerol is a common base; glycerolfree variants use other bases or solvents.

Consumers should verify glycerolfree claims by checking full ingredient lists and any product-specific disclosures. Good practice includes noting that “glycerol-free” does not imply the absence of all glyceride derivatives unless explicitly stated. See also glycerol, glycerin, humectants, and alternative solvents.