Subscribe Nutrition Meal Kits Special Diets Healthy Eating Food Freedom Conditions Feel Good Food Products Vitamins & Supplements Sustainability Weight Management Nutrition What Is Vegetable Glycerin? Uses, Benefits and Side Effects Written by Alina Petre, MS, RD (NL) on May 7, 2023 What It Is Uses Benefits Side Effects Bottom Line Vegetable glycerin is used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It can help moisturize skin, relieve constipation, and improve hydration and athletic performance. Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a clear liquid typically made from soybean, coconut or palm oils. It is odorless and has a mild, sweet taste with a syrup-like consistency. Vegetable glycerin is particularly popular in the cosmetic industry but has several other uses as well. Vegetable glycerin is widely used in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. What’s more, it’s commonly added to soaps, candles, lotions, deodorants and makeup.