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Toilet Preparations: Glycerin

Glycerin. When pure, glycerin is a colorless viscid liquid, having a sweet taste and without odor. All the ordinary fats contain glycerin, which is produced by treating animal fats with alkalies, such as caustic soda or potash, as is done in the manufacture of soap. Glycerin is a by-product of soap factories. It may also be produced by treating fats with superheated steam, as is done in the manufacture of candles. Hence glycerin is also a by-product of candle factories.

Glycerin mixes freely with water, and pure glycerin absorbs about one half its own weight from the atmosphere. It is an excellent solvent, and is an important ingredient of pomades, toilet soaps, and cosmetics. Glycerin is recommended as a lotion for irritation of the skin and for itching; also as a preventive against sunburn, chaps, and redness from exposure to the weather. A preparation of 1 ounce of glycerin to 19 ounces of pure soft water is about right for regular use as a face wash, and is an excellent vehicle in which to dissolve various remedies.

Or 1 ounce of glycerin to 9 ounces of water may be used for chapped hands and lips, or whenever a strong solution is desired.