This week, we're at the industry's largest ingredients trade show to scope out new and innovative ingredients. So today we thought we'd highlight one of our most used ingredients, glycerin.

Glycerin or glycerine is a non-toxic, odorless, colorless and slightly thick liquid usually derived from plant matter such as soybean or palm oil. Its flexibility as a solvent is why it's found in so many household products, from moisturizer and soap to toothpaste and even deodorant.

We mix glycerin with powdered gelatin to form the outer shell of our softgels. The resulting substance offers great elasticity, softness and protection for the delicate nutrients inside.

Glycerin is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This quality puts the 'soft' in our softgels, and prevents them from becoming brittle and leaking.

Quality standards

Standards are set by international organizations such as USP (United States Pharmacopeia). Standards and methods of testing are defined and followed strictly. Our supplier tests the glycerin during production, in storage and on every shipment.

By the end of the year, our supplier's entire delivery fleet will be stainless steel, food-grade trucks dedicated to glycerin. Independent audits will also increase in frequency.

These steps keep our products safe and prevents contamination, health risks and recalls.

Sustainability

Organizations such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) set priorities for how member companies take steps to minimize their environmental impact. These steps can include using alternative energy, reducing water usage, improving waste management and making hazard data publicly available.