Glycerine is in demand in the manufacturing sector because while it can be used in many different ways, it is considered safe and does not have negative environmental effects. It is a clear, odorless, viscous, and sweet substance. It actually got its name from "glykys", the Greek term for sweet. One reason why it is valuable to many manufacturing industries is that it is a good solvent. There are more substances that dissolve into it than they do into water or alcohol. Furthermore, it is a by-product of biodiesel and soap.

One industry that largely benefits from the substance is the cosmetics industry and it is primarily because of its being a humectant, or it attracts moisture to the skin. What is usually done by commercial soap manufacturers is that they take out glycerine from their soap products and use them in their expensive lotions. A certain amount of the substance stays in the soap bar produced, though.

But, if you want some extra skin moisturizer from your soap, you can make your own soap at home. And what is so good about this activity is that you get to be resourceful and creative. You can have soap bars of different scents and shapes or put your own touch into them, for that matter. A common method used in making homemade soaps is the melt and pour process. What you basically need are blocks of a pure glycerine soap base, a microwave, and molds.

Besides moisturizing your skin, the substance can also eliminate halitosis or bad breath. When swished and gargled, it kills the sulfurous bacteria that live in your mouth. Thus, it is also an ingredient of mouthwash. It is likewise found in toothpaste, where it is used as a sweetener as well as to keep the paste from getting dry when left uncapped. Other cosmetic products where it is found include deodorants, pre-shaving creams, lipstick, and mascara. But its sweet taste and moisturizing property is not only used in cosmetics. It is also used as a sweetener and a moisturizing agent for cakes and other baked goods, candies, and dry food.

Another practical benefit of the substance besides making homemade soaps is that it can be used as a cleaning agent. Specifically, it makes a good remover of those sticky foods spilled on your freezer. It can also help remove stain from your clothes.

Glycerine cannot only be found in household and personal care products, though. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is often used to produce certain drugs such as anesthetics, capsules, suppositories, cough remedies, and ear infection remedies.

The tobacco and paper and printing industry also benefit from the substance. It prevents breaking and crumbling while cigarettes are being processed, and it is used in manufacturing cigarette filter tips. Moreover, it prevents paper from shrinking while being manufactured.

Another use of the substance that goes way beyond household use is in the production of nitroglycerine, which is being used in making dynamite and other explosives. It is also used to preserve scientific specimens, to produce resin coating, and as a building block in making flexible foams.

Glycerine, undeniably, is a versatile substance. Various manufacturing industries have demand for it. But household members must also realize its importance as a household item. Being informed about it is definitely not a problem as a wide range of information is just one or a couple of clicks away, courtesy of the World Wide Web. Thus, there is no reason to be ignorant about it, especially its benefits not only to the manufacturing sector, but more importantly to every household.