Vegetable Glycerine is one of those ingredients you may already use without even realising it. Found across cosmetics, skincare, food production, personal care and manufacturing it has become a popular ingredient for both home users and businesses.

Also known as VG or glycerol, Vegetable Glycerine is a clear and virtually odourless liquid with a smooth and naturally thick consistency. Its versatility means it can be used across a huge range of different formulations and applications.

So what is Vegetable Glycerine actually used for?

In this guide we take a closer look at some of the most common Vegetable Glycerine uses and explain why VG is such a widely used ingredient.

What Is Vegetable Glycerine?

Vegetable Glycerine is a form of glycerol typically derived from plant based oils. It is a clear and viscous liquid with a slightly sweet taste. One of its most useful characteristics is its ability to attract and retain moisture. This property makes Vegetable Glycerine particularly useful as a humectant within products where moisture and texture and consistency are important.

Depending on the grade and specification Vegetable Glycerine can be used within cosmetics and personal care and food formulations and manufacturing and many other applications.

What Is Vegetable Glycerine Used For?

There is no single use for Vegetable Glycerine.

VG is used across numerous industries because of its texture and moisture retaining properties and versatility within different formulations.

Some of the most common Vegetable Glycerine uses include:

• Cosmetics and skincare
• Haircare
• Soap making
• Personal care products
• Food and flavour formulations
• DIY projects
• Commercial manufacturing
• Household formulations
• Specialist industrial applications

The correct grade and specification should always be chosen for the intended use.

Vegetable Glycerine in Cosmetics and Skincare

Cosmetics and skincare are among the most recognised uses for Vegetable Glycerine.

VG acts as a humectant. This means it can help attract and retain moisture within a formulation which makes it particularly useful in products designed to moisturise and condition the skin.

Vegetable Glycerine can be found in products such as:

• Moisturisers
• Face creams
• Body lotions
• Serums
• Facial cleansers
• Hand creams
• Body washes
• Lip care products
• Cosmetic formulations

Its versatility makes Vegetable Glycerine suitable for everyone from people experimenting with homemade cosmetic formulations to businesses manufacturing personal care products commercially.

The amount of VG required will depend entirely on the individual formulation and intended product.

Vegetable Glycerine in Haircare

Vegetable Glycerine is also commonly used within haircare formulations.

Its moisture retaining properties make it a useful ingredient within products designed to condition and moisturise hair.

VG may be found within:

• Shampoos
• Conditioners
• Hair masks
• Styling products
• Hair treatments
• Moisturising hair products

As with any formulation the amount of Vegetable Glycerine used should be determined by the recipe and the other ingredients involved.

Vegetable Glycerine for Soap Making

VG is also popular with soap makers and DIY cosmetic creators.

Glycerine works particularly well within many personal care and soap formulations due to its smooth consistency and moisture retaining properties.

Common applications include:

• Glycerine soaps
• Liquid soaps
• Hand washes
• Shower products
• Homemade skincare products
• Personal care projects

This makes Vegetable Glycerine useful for both hobbyists experimenting at home and businesses producing handmade cosmetic and personal care products.

Vegetable Glycerine in Food

Food grade Vegetable Glycerine can also be used within certain food and flavour applications.

When used as a food additive glycerol is commonly identified as E422.

Depending on the formulation Vegetable Glycerine may perform several different functions. Its slightly sweet taste and moisture retaining properties make it useful within products where texture and consistency are important.

Applications can include:

• Confectionery
• Bakery products
• Food formulations
• Flavour concentrates
• Moisture control
• Texture management
• Ingredient carrier systems

It is important to choose Vegetable Glycerine that is supplied to the appropriate specification for your intended application.

Do not assume that every type of glycerine is suitable for every use. Always check the product grade and specification before using it within a food formulation.

Vegetable Glycerine in Flavours and Liquid Formulations

Vegetable Glycerine is also used as a carrier within a variety of liquid formulations.

Its consistency and ability to combine with other ingredients can make it useful when creating flavour systems and specialist liquid products.

The exact purpose and concentration of VG will vary depending on the finished product.

For commercial applications businesses should always work to the requirements of their individual formulation and relevant industry standards.

Vegetable Glycerine for DIY Projects

You certainly do not need to be a large manufacturer to find a use for VG.

Vegetable Glycerine is popular with hobbyists and home creators because the same ingredient can be used across many different types of projects.

DIY Vegetable Glycerine uses can include:

• Soap making
• Cosmetic formulations
• Skincare projects
• Haircare products
• Craft applications
• Personal care products
• Specialist liquid formulations

For occasional projects a smaller quantity of Vegetable Glycerine may be ideal while frequent users may find larger bottles more convenient and cost effective.

Vegetable Glycerine for Businesses and Commercial Manufacturing

Vegetable Glycerine is used by businesses across a wide range of industries.

For manufacturers consistency and product specification become particularly important when VG forms part of a regular production process.

Commercial Vegetable Glycerine uses can include:

• Cosmetic manufacturing
• Personal care production
• Food production
• Flavour manufacturing
• Household formulations
• Laboratory formulations
• Specialist manufacturing
• Industrial applications

Businesses using VG regularly may also benefit from purchasing larger quantities rather than individual smaller bottles.

VGPG Online supplies Vegetable Glycerine for individual users and small businesses and commercial customers across the UK with bulk supply options available for customers requiring larger volumes.

Why Is Vegetable Glycerine So Versatile?

A large part of VG's popularity comes down to its physical characteristics.

Vegetable Glycerine is:

Viscous

VG has a considerably thicker consistency than water which can make it useful when working with formulations where texture matters.

Hygroscopic

Vegetable Glycerine attracts moisture from its surroundings. This is one of the reasons it is widely used within cosmetic and personal care formulations.

Virtually odourless

Its minimal odour makes VG suitable for formulations where a strong base smell would be undesirable.

Versatile

The same core ingredient can be used across completely different industries depending on its grade and specification.

These characteristics explain why Vegetable Glycerine appears in everything from skincare products to food formulations and commercial manufacturing.

How Should Vegetable Glycerine Be Stored?

Correct storage helps protect the quality of your Vegetable Glycerine.

VG should generally be stored in a cool and dry location away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Containers should also remain securely closed when not in use.

Because Vegetable Glycerine is hygroscopic it can absorb moisture from the surrounding air. Leaving a bottle open unnecessarily can therefore affect the product over time.

Where possible keep VG in its original container and always follow the storage information supplied with the specific product.

What Size Vegetable Glycerine Do I Need?

The best size depends on how frequently you intend to use it.

For occasional DIY projects and smaller formulations a 100ml or 250ml bottle may be sufficient.

For regular use 500ml or 1 litre quantities can offer greater convenience.

Businesses and manufacturers using Vegetable Glycerine frequently may benefit from larger bulk quantities.

VGPG Online currently supplies Vegetable Glycerine in:

• 100ml
• 250ml
• 500ml
• 1 litre

Bulk options are also available for commercial customers requiring larger quantities.

Choosing the Right Vegetable Glycerine

Before buying Vegetable Glycerine there are three important things to consider.

Grade and Specification

Choose a product with the correct grade and specification for your particular application.

Requirements can differ significantly between a cosmetic formulation and a food application or a specialist manufacturing process.

Quantity

Think about how much VG you realistically need.

A small bottle may be perfect for a one off project while businesses using Vegetable Glycerine regularly could benefit from purchasing larger quantities.

Supplier

Choose a supplier that clearly identifies what it is selling and provides reliable product information and consistent supply.

This becomes particularly important for businesses that depend on Vegetable Glycerine as part of ongoing production.

Buy Vegetable Glycerine Online in the UK

VGPG Online supplies high purity Vegetable Glycerine to customers across the UK.

From home creators and hobbyists to small businesses and commercial manufacturers our Vegetable Glycerine range provides flexible quantities for a wide variety of applications.

Choose from 100ml and 250ml and 500ml and 1 litre bottles with bulk VG options also available for larger commercial requirements.

Explore the VGPG Online Vegetable Glycerine range to find the right quantity for your next project or speak to our team about bulk requirements.

Vegetable Glycerine FAQs

What is Vegetable Glycerine used for?

Vegetable Glycerine is used within cosmetics and skincare and haircare and soap making and food formulations and personal care products and commercial manufacturing. The appropriate use depends on the grade and specification of the product.

Is Vegetable Glycerine the same as VG?

Yes. VG is the commonly used abbreviation for Vegetable Glycerine.

Is Vegetable Glycerine the same as glycerol?

Glycerol is the chemical compound while glycerine is the commonly used name for products predominantly consisting of glycerol. Vegetable Glycerine refers to glycerine produced from vegetable sources.

Is Vegetable Glycerine used in skincare?

Yes. Glycerine is widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It functions as a humectant which means it can attract and retain moisture.

Can Vegetable Glycerine be used in food?

Vegetable Glycerine produced to an appropriate food grade specification can be used within certain food applications. Glycerol is identified as E422 when used as a food additive. Always check that the product specification is appropriate for your intended use.

Where can I buy Vegetable Glycerine in the UK?

VGPG Online supplies Vegetable Glycerine online throughout the UK with 100ml and 250ml and 500ml and 1 litre bottles available alongside bulk options for commercial customers.

One Ingredient. Countless Applications.

From skincare and cosmetics to food formulations and commercial production Vegetable Glycerine is an incredibly versatile ingredient.

Its smooth consistency and moisture retaining properties have helped make VG a staple ingredient for home creators and businesses across numerous industries.

Whatever the application choosing the correct grade and specification is essential.

Explore Vegetable Glycerine at VGPG Online and choose the size that suits your next project.