Glycerin is a versatile and widely used humecant, thickener, lubricant, solvent, and sweetener used in many food, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications. Additional applications include use as an antifreeze or a chemical intermediate. Glycerin can be derived from natural, renewable sources, as a byproduct of biodiesel, or it can be synthetically created.

甘油是用于许多食品，药品和个人护理应用的多功能和广泛使用的润湿剂，增稠剂，润滑剂，溶剂和甜味剂。其他应用包括用作防冻剂​​或化学中间体。甘油可以来源于天然的可再生资源，作为生物柴油的副产品，也可以合成生成。