Glycerol vs Glycerine

Both 'glycerol' and 'glycerine' are correct terms used to refer to the same substance, a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid. The choice between the two terms is often a matter of regional preference or specific scientific context.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 824 views

Glycerol

This term is correct and commonly used in scientific contexts to refer to a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid.

It is the preferred term in scientific literature and discussions related to chemistry and biochemistry.

Examples:

The experiment required the use of glycerol as a solvent.
Glycerol is a common ingredient in skincare products.

Show examples from the web [+]

Glycerol can cause headache, stomach upset and diarrhoea.
Hypromellose 6cP Titanium dioxide E171 Macrogol 3000 Lactose monohydrate Glycerol triacetate Iron oxide red E172.
Glycerol levels, cerebral profusion, the whole works.
(a) the following shall be added in the third and fourth columns to the row for E 445: Glycerol esters of wood rosin : quot
Glycerol (undiluted, viscosity: 1490 cP)
Glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol liquid (crystallising), sucrose.
Glycerol 85% is one of the excipients
Minimum Glycerol content: 99 % of dry matter;
Hypromellose, Titanium dioxide (E 171), Talc, Glycerol triacetate, Iron oxide yellow and red (E172).
Hypromellose (E464) Titanium dioxide (E171) Lactose monohydrate Polyethylene glycol 3000 Glycerol triacetate
Glycerol (85 per cent) (E422) Hypromellose Magnesium stearate Polysorbate 80 Red iron oxide (E172) Sucrose
Tablet coat Lactose monohydrate Hypromellose Glycerol triacetate Titanium dioxide (E171) Ferric oxide, yellow (E172)
Hypromellose Titanium dioxide (E171) Glycerol triacetate Iron oxide red (E172)
Purified water Hydroxyethylcellulose Glycerol Hydrochloric acid, concentrated Artificial cherry flavour Peppermint oil Sunset Yellow (E110) Sucralose (E955)
Protamine sulphate m-cresol [1.76 mg/ ml] Phenol [0.80 mg/ ml] 49 Glycerol Dibasic sodium phosphate.7H2O Zinc oxide Water for injections Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide may be used to adjust pH to 7.0 - 7.8.
Protamine sulphate m-cresol [1.76 mg/ ml] Phenol [0.80 mg/ ml] Glycerol Dibasic sodium phosphate.7H2O Zinc oxide Water for injections Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide may be used to adjust pH to 7.0 - 7.8.
Protamine sulphate m-cresol [1.76 mg/ ml] 36 Phenol [0.80 mg/ ml] Glycerol Dibasic sodium phosphate.7H2O Zinc oxide Water for injections Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide may be used to adjust pH to 7.0 - 7.8.
Microcrystalline cellulose (E460) Calcium hydrogen phosphate, anhydrous Maize starch Amberlite (polacrilin potassium) Povidone (polyvidone) Glycerol 85% Magnesium stearate Meglumine Poloxamer
Glycerol if < 99 % on dry matter basis
by using a small spoon or a spatula, one half of the decanted impurities shall be transferred to microscopic slides for examination, Glycerol is recommended as mounting medium.

Alternatives:

glycerine
1,2,3-propanetriol
glycerin
propane-1,2,3-triol
glyceritol

Glycerine

This term is also correct and widely used, especially in commercial and everyday contexts to refer to the same substance as 'glycerol'.

It is commonly found in product labels, such as cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.