The main applications of Glycerine involve its derivatization, -especially its re-esterification with fatty acids- to produce glycerides of different compositions from that of the raw material.
Free glycerine is used as a humectant in the soap and cosmetic industries as it is one of the components of emulsifiers and detergents.
Glycerine derivatives are of importance in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, toothpastes, cigarettes, cellophane, alkyd resins, urethane polyols, explosives, etc.