Glycerol (coco traces)

Glycerol, also known as glycerine, is a naturally occurring organic compound belonging to the alcohol family. It is rarely found in its free form in nature, and is most commonly bound to fatty acids within triglycerides and phospholipids that make up animal and vegetable fats. It can be obtained through the hydrolysis of these fats or by fermentation, and its purified form is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Physiologically, glycerol plays a role in energy metabolism: it can be converted into glucose by the liver through gluconeogenesis, thereby contributing to blood sugar regulation. It also has strong hygroscopic properties, meaning it attracts and retains water molecules, which gives it a hydrating effect on tissues. In dietary supplements, glycerol is primarily used as a humectant excipient: it helps preserve the texture and stability of formulas by limiting their drying out. It can also act as a bulking or sweetening agent in certain dosage forms such as soft capsules or liquids, improving the overall quality and shelf life of the finished product.