Liquid Paraffin vs. Glycerin: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 30, 2024

Liquid Paraffin is a mineral oil used as a lubricant or laxative, while Glycerin is a sweet, syrupy alcohol used in foods, cosmetics, and medicines.

Liquid Paraffin vs. Glycerin

Key Differences

Liquid Paraffin, a clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum, is primarily used in cosmetics and as a laxative. Glycerin, a colorless, viscous liquid from animal fats or vegetable oils, serves as a humectant in cosmetics, retaining moisture on the skin.

Jan 30, 2024

As a lubricant, Liquid Paraffin prevents water absorption from stools, easing constipation. Glycerin, on the other hand, is a humectant that draws water into the bowel, softening stools.

Jan 30, 2024

In the beauty industry, Liquid Paraffin creates a barrier on the skin, trapping moisture. Glycerin, conversely, is valued for its ability to hydrate the skin by absorbing water from the air.

Jan 30, 2024

Liquid Paraffin is inert, not reacting chemically with other substances, making it safe for a variety of uses. Glycerin, a simple polyol compound, is known for its solubility in water and its sweet taste.

Jan 30, 2024

Regarding safety, Liquid Paraffin is not absorbed by the body, thus considered safe for topical use. Glycerin, widely recognized as safe for consumption, is used in foods and oral medications.

Jan 30, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Source

Derived from petroleum

Derived from animal fats or vegetable oils

Jan 30, 2024

Primary Use

Lubricant, laxative

Humectant, moisturizer

Jan 30, 2024

Application in Cosmetics

Forms a barrier on the skin

Draws moisture to the skin

Jan 30, 2024

Physical Properties

Clear, odorless oil

Sweet, syrupy, colorless liquid

Jan 30, 2024

Absorption

Not absorbed by the body

Absorbed and metabolized by the body

Jan 30, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Additional Uses

Industrial lubricant

Sweetener in foods, pharmaceutical agent

Jan 30, 2024

Liquid Paraffin and Glycerin Definitions

Liquid Paraffin

A lubricant in mechanical and industrial applications.

Liquid Paraffin is used to lubricate machinery parts.

Jan 05, 2024

Glycerin

A simple polyol compound used in pharmaceuticals.

Glycerin is an active ingredient in cough syrups.

Jan 05, 2024

Liquid Paraffin

A laxative in medicinal uses.

Liquid Paraffin helps alleviate constipation in patients.

Jan 05, 2024

Glycerin

A solvent and thickening agent in various industries.

Glycerin is used to improve texture in lotions.

Jan 05, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Liquid Paraffin

An ingredient in some cosmetic products.

Liquid Paraffin is often found in lip balms for hydration.

Jan 05, 2024

Glycerin

A humectant in cosmetics and personal care products.

Glycerin is added to moisturizers for its hydrating properties.

Jan 05, 2024

Liquid Paraffin

A fluid for preserving specimens in laboratories.

Specimens are submerged in Liquid Paraffin to prevent decay.

Jan 05, 2024

Glycerin

A component in electronic cigarette liquid.

Glycerin is used to produce vapor in e-cigarettes.

Jan 05, 2024

Liquid Paraffin

A mineral oil used as an emollient.

Liquid Paraffin is added to lotions for its skin-softening properties.

Jan 05, 2024

Glycerin

A sweetener and preservative in food.

Glycerin is used in candy making for sweetness and texture.

Jan 05, 2024

Glycerin

Glycerol or a preparation of glycerol.

Jan 04, 2024

Glycerin

(organic compound) glycerine.

Jan 04, 2024

Glycerin

An oily, viscous liquid, C3H5(OH)3, colorless and odorless, and with a hot, sweetish taste, existing in the natural fats and oils as the base, combined with various acids, as oleic, margaric, stearic, and palmitic. It may be obtained by saponification of fats and oils. It is a triatomic alcohol, and hence is also called glycerol. See Note under Gelatin.

Jan 04, 2024

Glycerin

A sweet syrupy trihydroxy alcohol obtained by saponification of fats and oils

Jan 04, 2024

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is Liquid Paraffin?

A mineral oil used in cosmetics and as a laxative.

Jan 30, 2024

What is Glycerin?

A sweet, viscous liquid used in foods, cosmetics, and medicines.

Jan 30, 2024

Can Liquid Paraffin be ingested?

Yes, but primarily as a laxative.

Jan 30, 2024

Is Liquid Paraffin safe for skin?

Yes, it's safe and used as an emollient.

Jan 30, 2024

Can Liquid Paraffin expire?

It has a long shelf life but can degrade over time.

Jan 30, 2024

Is Liquid Paraffin used in food?

Generally no, it's not considered edible.

Jan 30, 2024

Does Glycerin have a taste?

Yes, it's sweet-tasting.

Jan 30, 2024

Is Glycerin edible?

Yes, it's safe for consumption and used in foods.

Jan 30, 2024

How is Glycerin made?

By hydrolysis of fats and oils.

Jan 30, 2024

Can Liquid Paraffin be used on hair?

It's not recommended as it's heavy and greasy.

Jan 30, 2024

Does Glycerin help with acne?

It can help hydrate skin but doesn't treat acne directly.

Jan 30, 2024

Can I use Liquid Paraffin for cooking?

No, it's not suitable for cooking.

Jan 30, 2024

Is Liquid Paraffin toxic?

It's not toxic, but shouldn't be ingested in large quantities.

Jan 30, 2024

What are the uses of Glycerin in cosmetics?

As a moisturizer and humectant.

Jan 30, 2024

Is Liquid Paraffin natural?

No, it's a by-product of petroleum refining.

Jan 30, 2024

Can Glycerin freeze?

It has a low freezing point and usually remains liquid.

Jan 30, 2024

Does Liquid Paraffin clog pores?

It can, as it creates a barrier on the skin.

Jan 30, 2024

Can Glycerin dry out skin?

No, it typically helps retain moisture.

Jan 30, 2024

Is Glycerin good for all skin types?

Generally yes, but those with very sensitive skin should patch test first.

Jan 30, 2024

Is Glycerin vegan?

It can be, if derived from vegetable oils.

Jan 30, 2024

Share this page

Link for your blog / website

HTML

Link to share via messenger

Listed Company vs. Unlisted Company

Liquid Paraffin vs. Glycerin

Investable vs. Investible

Liquid Paraffin vs. Glycerin

About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Trending Comparisons

LTE vs. CDMA

February 4, 2024

LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a 4G wireless communication standard with high-speed data transfer, while CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) is an older 2G/3G technology for mobile networks.

Celsius vs. Kelvin

Celsius vs. Kelvin

January 1, 2024

Celsius is a temperature scale with 0°C as water's freezing point and 100°C its boiling point, while Kelvin is an absolute scale starting at absolute zero (0 K).

Smart TV vs. Android TV

Smart TV vs. Android TV

December 25, 2023

A Smart TV is an internet-connected television with a variety of apps, while an Android TV is specifically a Smart TV powered by Google's Android TV operating system.

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

December 25, 2023

Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.

Poem vs. Poetry

Poem vs. Poetry

December 25, 2023

A poem is a piece of writing that expresses ideas and emotions with a distinctive style and rhythm; poetry is the art form of writing such pieces.

Nike Air Force 1 LE vs. Nike Air Force 1 '07

Nike Air Force 1 LE vs. Nike Air Force 1 ’07

April 16, 2024

Nike Air Force 1 LE often represents limited edition releases with unique designs, while Nike Air Force 1 '07 is a modern version of the classic, maintaining the iconic style with updated materials.

Assemble vs. Build

Assemble vs. Build

December 25, 2023

Assemble refers to the act of gathering and organizing pre-existing components, while build involves the creation of something new by combining various materials or elements.

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

February 8, 2024

The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.

Inox vs. Stainless Steel

Inox vs. Stainless Steel

January 10, 2024

Inox is a synonym for stainless steel, used mainly in Europe, while stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy containing chromium.

Gorilla Glass vs. Panda Glass

Gorilla Glass vs. Panda Glass

January 5, 2024

Gorilla Glass is a highly durable, scratch-resistant glass used in electronic devices, while Panda Glass is a similar protective glass known for its high transparency and toughness.

Payment vs. Remittance

Payment vs. Remittance

April 9, 2024

Payment is a transfer of money for goods or services, while remittance involves sending money to a distant location, often overseas.

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

December 25, 2023

2 Pole Motors have one pair of magnetic poles and run at higher speeds, while 4 Pole Motors have two pairs of poles and operate at lower speeds, offering higher torque.

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

December 25, 2023

A Hard Copy is a physical version of a document or file, usually on paper, while a Soft Copy is a digital version of the document, stored electronically.

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

January 1, 2024

Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch resistance and durability compared to its predecessors, while Gorilla Glass 5 focuses on enhanced drop protection and toughness.

Manual Filing vs. E-Filing

Manual Filing vs. E-Filing

January 21, 2024

Manual Filing involves physically submitting documents, often in paper form. E-Filing is the process of submitting documents electronically, often through dedicated platforms or email.

Social Change vs. Cultural Change

Social Change vs. Cultural Change

December 25, 2023

Social change refers to shifts in societal structures and institutions, impacting behaviors and relationships among people. Cultural change pertains to alterations in a group's shared beliefs, values, and customs, influencing their way of life.

NAT vs. PAT

March 5, 2024

NAT (Network Address Translation) translates private IP addresses to a public one for internet access. PAT (Port Address Translation) maps multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP using different ports.

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

January 4, 2024

A catapult is a ballistic device using tension or torsion to launch projectiles, while a trebuchet is a type of catapult using a counterweight for greater force and distance.

White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime

White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime

December 25, 2023

White Collar Crime involves non-violent, financially motivated offenses often committed by professionals, while Blue Collar Crime refers to physical or violent crimes often by manual laborers.

Goth vs. Alt

February 5, 2024

Goth is a dark, often Victorian-influenced subculture and style, while Alt (alternative) is a broader term encompassing non-mainstream styles and attitudes.

Tap Root vs. Fibrous Root

Tap Root vs. Fibrous Root

February 28, 2024

Tap root is a single, thick primary root growing vertically downward, while fibrous root is a network of many thin roots spreading out near the surface.

Moms vs. Mom's

Moms vs. Mom’s

February 22, 2024

"Moms" is the plural form of "mom," referring to multiple mothers, while "Mom's" is the possessive form of "mom," indicating something belongs to or is related to a mother.

Big vs. Small

December 25, 2023

Big refers to large size, quantity, or importance, while small denotes a lesser size, amount, or significance.

Login vs. Logon

Login vs. Logon

December 25, 2023

"Login" and "Logon" are often used interchangeably to describe the process of gaining access to a computer system, but "login" can also refer to the credentials used for access.

Featured Comparisons

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Fate vs. Destiny

Fate vs. Destiny

Coyote vs. Jackal

Coyote vs. Jackal