Glycerol is a chemical compound also commonly called glycerin or glycerine. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. For human consumption, glycerol is classified by the FDA among the sugar alcohols as a caloric macronutrient. Glycerol has three hydrophilic hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature.

Glycerin is a sweet tasting, colorless, thick liquid that has a high boiling point and freezes to a paste. Cold process soap makers use it because it is ahumectant. This means that it attracts moisture to your skin. It is a natural by-product in the soap making process. Commercial manufacturers remove glycerin in more expensive lotions and creams but an amount remains in every soap bar made. Extra glycerin added to a soap bar produces a clear finish and extra moisturizing qualities. It is also a good solvent. Many things will dissolve into glycerin easier than they do into alcohol or water.

Glycerin can be dissolved easily into alcohol and water but not into oils. The pure chemical element is called Glycerol, which indicates that it is an alcohol. The impure commercial product is called glycerin. Glycerin may be derived synthetically from either vegetable or animal sources. All Pjur water-based formulas contain only vegetable glycerin. Glycerin is also highly hygroscopic. This means that it easily absorbs water from the air. If you were to leave a bottle of pure glycerin in the open, it would absorb water from the air to eventually become 20% water and 80% glycerin. This is because it is dehydrating, although when diluted with water, it softens the skin.

Personal lubricants that contain glycerin tend to predispose women to yeast infections because glycerin breaks down to sugar in the vagina and feeds infection. People who are prone to yeast infections, and anyone who currently has a yeast infection is advised to avoid personal lubricants with glycerin. While there is no proof that glycerin will cause a yeast infection, lubricant manufacturers, and health conscious sex toy retailers recommend that you avoid lubricants with glycerin if you are prone to yeast infections. Clue: Men get yeast infections and don't generally know it. That's why most doctors will prescribe an anti-fungal and suggest the man take it also.