[Image courtesy of TJ Cosgrove @ Flickr.]
This is an update to Working with Glycerin and Allergies. After doing more research, I’ve learned a few things:
- Absent special equipment, making glycerin that is dissolved in a salt solution is easier than making pure glycerin.
- No matter what it is derived from, glycerin is always C3H8O3. This means that soy glycerin, coconut glycerin, palm glycerin, and any other kind of glycerin will be chemically identical, so there is no reason to make my own as long as the purity is chemically guaranteed.
- Unless I want to greatly increase the cost of my products, I should leave well enough alone.
What this means is that I will not be setting up a glycerin manufacturing line any time soon! However, I promise that my glycerin will always be kosher glycerin derived from soy, and my purchased glycerin should be composed of only glycerin (C3H8O3) and water (H2O).
Soap naturally contains glycerin, so most of my handmade soap will not work for someone who is allergic to glycerin. That being said, I am working on a glycerin-free soap, and hopefully a laundry soap as well. Stay tuned, I hope to have good news for you in the future!
March 9, 2018
[…] [Follow-up post: Update on Glycerin] […]
August 22, 2021
I found your article when searching for information about whether vegetable glycerin maintains any qualities of the base vegetable. Thanks for answering that question for me. Also, something you may find helpful…Since most vegetable glycerin is made from soybeans, coconut, or palm oils, people with salicylate sensitivity cannot use them. But flaxseed oil is low in salicylates, low in histamine, and has no oxalates or lectins. A flaxseed-derived glycerin would be perfect for people with allergies.
August 23, 2021
That is absolutely fascinating, and I truly appreciate the information! Some day I will be able to actually order up specific X-derived products.
August 23, 2021
Ai, you can order it now. I searched for a while, and finally found organic flaxseed glycerin online at Christina Moss Naturals. I’m just beginning to learn how to make my own skincare and soap products after being diagnosed with MCAS, histamine intolerance, and salicylate sensitivity. The organic flaxseed glycerin costs twice as much, but if allergies are a concern, it’s well worth it!
August 23, 2021
I had no idea. Thank you for the info, I’ll look into it!