A plain-language guide to glycerin grades, crude vs. refined and USP vs. technical, and how to choose, from a US-based distributor.
Glycerin is sold as crude (animal feed and industrial feedstock) and refined. Refined comes in USP grade for personal care, pharmaceutical, and food use, and technical grade for industrial applications. The grade you need depends on your purity and regulatory requirements.
Crude glycerin is the co-product of biodiesel and oleochemical production, supplied to a specification on glycerin content and impurities. It is used as an energy ingredient in animal feed and as a feedstock for further refining or industrial processes. Refined glycerin has been purified to much higher glycerol content for sensitive applications.
Refined glycerin is typically offered in two tiers. USP grade meets United States Pharmacopeia standards and is the choice for personal care, pharmaceutical, and many food uses. Technical grade is high-purity but not certified to USP, and is used in industrial formulations where pharmacopeia compliance is not required.
| Grade | Typical purity | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Crude | Lower; spec on glycerin content and impurities | Animal feed energy source, feedstock for refining and industry |
| Refined, technical | High | Industrial formulations, antifreeze, polymers, general manufacturing |
| Refined, USP | Highest, USP compliant | Personal care, pharmaceutical, food and beverage |
Match the grade to your regulatory and purity needs. If your product is ingested or applied to skin, or you need pharmacopeia documentation, specify USP. For industrial systems where purity matters but USP is not required, technical grade controls cost. For feed or as a feedstock, crude is the economical option.
Crude glycerin is the co-product of biodiesel or oleochemical production, supplied to a specification and used for feed or as a feedstock. Refined glycerin is purified to high glycerol content for personal care, pharmaceutical, food, and demanding industrial uses.
USP glycerin meets United States Pharmacopeia standards and is widely used in food, beverage, personal care, and pharmaceutical applications. Confirm the specific documentation your application requires.
Personal care and cosmetic formulations typically use refined USP grade glycerin. Technical grade is generally reserved for industrial uses that do not require USP compliance.
Refined and crude glycerin are commonly supplied in drums, totes, and bulk. Stratus Chemical provides COA and SDS on request; share your volume and grade for current options.
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